Hillwalker stranded on Bidean nam Bian overnight as rescue abandoned over safety fears

A lone hillwalker was stranded on a Glencoe mountain for 17 hours in severe winter conditions after rescuers were forced to abandon their efforts to save him.

Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team (GMR) was alerted after the walker encountered difficulties while descending Bidean nam Bian.

The team said it faced “extremely hazardous conditions”, with heavy rain at lower levels and blizzard conditions above 600 metres, creating significant risks of avalanche and falls from exposed ridges.

Due to the extreme weather, poor visibility and the dangers posed by avalanche-prone terrain, the rescue team was forced to withdraw from the mountain and resume the search at first light.

The rescue team faced extreme weather and poor visibility. Supplied

Rescue efforts resumed early the next day, and an RAF Search and Rescue helicopter, Rescue 851, was able to airlift two teams of volunteers to around 800 metres, the highest safe landing point, from where they continued on foot to the summit.

The casualty was located near the top of the mountain, suffering from cold exposure but conscious after enduring ferocious winds and extreme conditions for around 17 hours.

Rescuers deployed rewarming equipment before carefully stretcher-carrying the walker down to a point where he could be winched aboard the helicopter. He was then flown safely to the Glen for onward care.

Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team praised the determination and resilience shown by the casualty and thanked Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team for their support, as well as the highly skilled crew of Rescue 851 from Inverness for their vital assistance in challenging flying conditions.

A spokesperson said: “GMR wish the casualty a full recovery and praises his resilience in the ferocious winds experienced during his 17-hour ordeal.

“Also, thanks to the neighbouring team, Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and the invaluable assistance provided by R851 from Inverness.”