The man was found near Sgùrr Dubh an Da Bheinn, right. Photo: David Medcalf CC-BY-SA-2.0

A man was airlifted to hospital after suffering serious injuries in a fall on the Isle of Skye.

Members of the Skye Mountain Rescue Team spent nine hours rescuing the man from a mountain in the Cuillin range.

He is believed to be in a critical but stable condition in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after being winched into the Stornoway Coastguard helicopter on Friday.

Rescuers were alerted in the afternoon by a group of climbers in the area who reported a possible fall in the Coir’ a’ Ghrunnda area.

A team spokesperson said 12 Skye MRT members were winched on to the Cuillin ridge by the helicopter and began a search of the area.

“A few hours later, one of our team members found a male casualty, unconscious and with serious injuries, who had suffered a significant fall near Sgùrr Dubh an Da Bheinn,” the spokesperson said.

“At this point a further four team members were tasked with bringing up additional equipment, and they were flown as close as possible to the scene.

“The casualty was treated on scene by our medical officer, our casualty carers and the Coastguard paramedic, before being securely packaged in a stretcher and winched to the helicopter from a nearby suitable location. The casualty was flown to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with our medical officer onboard, where the casualty is believed to be in a critical but stable condition.”

The incident ended about 9.20pm.

The team spokesperson said: “Many thanks to the Stornoway helicopter crew for their support and professionalism once again in what was a challenging situation. Many thanks also to the climbers who did the right thing by contacting the emergency services, acting on what they heard.

“Without this initial report the casualty would not have been found for a very long time. We wish the casualty a speedy and full recovery and our thoughts are with him, his family and his friends at this very difficult time.”