Stac Pollaidh, scene of the rescue. Photo: Gordie Brown CC-BY-SA-2.0

A man was airlifted from a remote Highland peak after falling and injuring himself.

The walker fell about 2½m (8ft) near the summit of Stac Pollaidh in Assynt yesterday.

His walking companion called for help about 2.45pm from the 612m (2,008ft) peak fearing the walker had suffered a fracture when he fell heavily on to his hip.

Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team went to the man’s aid and the Stornoway Coastguard helicopter, which was airborne in the area after reports of a yacht in difficulties, was diverted to help the walker, who was reported to be conscious.

The injured walker was airlifted by the Coastguard crew and flown for further treatment to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

The summit ridge walk of Stac Pollaidh, who overlooks Loch Lurgainn in Inverpolly, includes a difficult scramble round a pinnacle to reach the highest point.