An elderly hillwalker who went missing with two friends overnight has died in hospital.

A major search was launched to locate Jeffrey Stewart, 74, George Crosbie, 73, and Bobby Thomson, 64, who had not been seen heading into the hills around Durisdeer in Dumfries and Galloway since Tuesday afternoon.

They told family they would be home by 3.30pm but relatives raised the alarm when they failed to return.

Mountain rescue teams and Police Scotland carried out searches overnight but were hampered by driving rain and strong winds. Police confirmed on Wednesday that the men had been found east of Durisdeer village and have been airlifted to hospital.

It was confirmed shortly afterwards that one of the men has died in hospital and the two other are receiving treatment for hypothermia. Police would not confirm which of the men had passed away.

A police spokesman said: "Police Scotland can confirm that one of the three missing walkers recovered earlier today near Durisdeer has been pronounced dead at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.

"The two other men are currently being treated for hypothermia in the hospital. Next of kin are being informed and the procurator fiscal has been informed."