Coastguard helicopters joined the rescue operation. Photo: Oban MRT

A climber is in a serious condition in hospital after being airlifted from a Glen Coe mountain.

Police said the 57-year-old Nottinghamshire man is in a life-threatening condition in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Another man, aged 49 and also from Nottinghamshire, is in a stable condition in Belford Hospital, Fort William. His life is not at risk, officers said.

Both were rescued from Stob Coire nan Lochan on Saturday suffering from hypothermia. They had spent the night on the mountain after failing to return from the 1,115m (3,658ft) peak on Friday evening.

A major rescue operation began, with Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team aided by the Stornoway Coastguard helicopter in the search for the missing men, who were visiting the area as part of a larger group.

The team found evidence of an avalanche and on Saturday morning the search was stepped up, with Oban, Arrochar, Lochaber and Police Scotland Mountain Rescue Teams joined by the RAF Mountain Rescue Service, members of the Search and Rescue Dogs Association and Coastguard helicopters from Prestwick and Inverness.

An Oban team spokesperson said: “One of the Oban teams found the first casualty who, after a night out, was in remarkably good condition, but not where expected, so a rapid re-deployment of personnel was required to search a different area.

“The second casualty was found by Glencoe with us and the RAF in support higher on the hill. Unfortunately he was not in a good way and he was helicoptered off to hospital. We wish both casualties all the best for a speedy recovery.”

The Glencoe team also wished the two men a speedy recovery and added: “We would also like to thank two climbing parties who were on the hill on Saturday and who dropped their plans for the day to help and who played an important part in the rescue.

“Finally we would like to thank the team at Clachaig, who took us all in, fed and watered us when the rescue had concluded.”