Couple rescued from Cairngorms mountain after hillwalker 'avalanched'

A major rescue operation was launched after a hillwalker was reportedly avalanched while climbing in the Cairngorms.

The male walker became buried in snow after falling 150m (492ft) on Glas Maol around 1pm on Saturday.

His wife was able to call for help, triggering a major response including mountain rescue teams from Braemar, Tayside and Aberdeen, Police Scotland officers, search dogs and an HM Coastguard helicopter.

Following initial searches, it was discovered that the man had fallen through a snow cornice – an overhanging edge of snow on a ridge or the crest of a mountain and along the sides of gullies.

A multi-agency response was carried out Braemar Mountain Rescue

The couple were rescued from the mountain, with the male reportedly injured from his ice axe cutting his face.

A spokesperson for Braemar MRT said: “Big thanks as always to the crucial role the MCA helicopter played in deploying teams as high as they could, given the poor visibility.

“A huge thank you to the Glenshee ski centre staff who assisted in deploying teams with their piste machines, and helped extricate back to the road. A successful outcome and our best wishes to the two casualties.”

A woman who witnessed the incident said: “It is really impressive how quickly teams arrived. It was within minutes of when the police arrived, then MRT and the helicopter.

“My children got a good lesson on how MRT works and why it is important to stay safe in the mountains without risking the lives of others. Hats off to each MRT member. They do incredible work while we all enjoy ourselves out there.”