Cairngorms snow-stranded hillwalkers rescued

Nine hillwalkers, including six teenagers, who became stranded after heavy snowfall have been rescued, police confirmed.

A major rescue operation was launched this morning after the party became stuck in the Cairngorms.

The three adults and six teenagers had become stranded following the overnight snowfall.

They contacted a friend by phone to seek help at around 10am this morning.

Grampian Police, a Royal Navy helicopter and a mountain rescue team based at Braemar, Aberdeenshire, were all involved in the operation to rescue them from the hillside.

Around four hours after they were initially alerted, police confirmed that all nine hillwalkers had been rescued successfully. They were found at Derry Cairngorm, a mountain in the Cairngorms range.

The walkers were airlifted off the hillside and taken to the Braemar area by the Navy helicopter.

Police said in a statement: "All nine were safe and well."

PA