A ridge on Beinn a' Chaorainn. Photo: Colin Kinnear CC-BY-SA-2.0

Rescuers are searching for a hillwalker who has been reported missing in Lochaber.

Police were alerted at 3.50pm on Sunday after the man was reported to have fallen while ascending Beinn a’ Chaorainn, west of Creag Meagaidh.

Members of Lochaber and Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Teams began searching for the missing 55-year-old, and a Coastguard helicopter.

Searches resumed in the area of the 1,052m (3,451ft) munro, on the north side of Glen Spean, on Monday.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team said the walker had fallen through a cornice. A spokesperson said: “Once again very challenging conditions are limiting efforts to perform a thorough search of the fall zone.

“With further large amounts of snow forecast over the next few days these areas will just be too risky to search. We will resume as soon as the weather allows us to access the corrie.”

Two other walkers remain missing in the Highlands. Extensive searches by rescue teams north of Strathcarron over the weekend failed to find Neil Gibson and his dog. The body of Mr Gibson’s brother Alan was discovered last week. The two men had set out for a hillwalking trip together on Thursday.

A man who is believed to have fallen from the summit of Ben Nevis in January is still missing. Repeated searches by Lochaber MRT and other volunteers in the Observatory Gully area failed to find the man.

Police Scotland warned hillgoers they should be prepared if they head for the Scottish mountains, and that bad weather and difficult terrain is likely to be encountered.

A police spokesperson said mountain rescue teams have been called out 13 times in the past week and reminded walkers, mountaineers and climbers that weather can change very quickly.

Chief Inspector Neil Anderson, operational support division and land based search and rescue lead for Police Scotland, said: “Unless you are an experienced hillwalker or mountaineer I would advise against venturing into the hills if there is any likelihood of the conditions becoming adverse.

“Stay up to date with weather and avalanche forecasts and be prepared to change your plans if the weather is expected to change.

“If you are not experienced it is a good idea to stick to the lower or less challenging areas.

“If you are enjoying outdoor pursuits please ensure you are properly dressed for the conditions. Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.

“A fully charged mobile phone is highly recommended, but remember that sub-zero conditions will take their toll on your battery life. Remember also that the mapping app on your phone is no substitute for a proper map, and that when your battery dies, your map is gone.

“Make sure you have a map and compass and you know how to use it.

“Take some emergency rations with you, just in case and make sure you know what time the sun sets and allow yourself plenty of time to get off the hill before darkness falls.”