A second hillwalker who was among a group of elderly men who went missing overnight has died.

A major search was launched to locate Geoffrey 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.

Police confirmed on Wednesday that the men had been found east of Durisdeer village and have been airlifted to hospital.

Mr Crosbie was the first to die, shortly after being rescued, followed by Mr Stewart. Mr Thomson remains in hospital.

A statement from the family of Mr Stewart said: "Our family would like to extend our love and thoughts to the families involved at this very sad and tragic time.

"Sincere gratitude and appreciation goes out to all the services involved in the rescue efforts and hospital staff at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary."

A statement from the force said: "Police Scotland now report that a second man from the group of three missing walkers in the Durisdeer area has died in Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.

"He was pronounced dead late on Wednesday. The two men who died are now named as George Crosbie, from Dumfries and Geoffrey Stewart, also from Dumfries.

"The procurator fiscal has been informed. The third man from the group is recovering in Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary."