The avalanche happened in Liathach's Northern Corries. Photo: Walter Baxter CC-BY-SA-2.0

Police have named the climber who died after being caught in an avalanche on Liathach at the weekend.

Max Norman, 41, of Ipswich, was climbing with a friend in Coireag Dubh Mòr on the northern face of the Torridon mountain when the pair were hit by the avalanche.

The two mountaineers spent the night sheltering on the hillside and Mr Norman’s companion began making his way out to get help when he was spotted by rescuers.

The Stornoway Coastguard helicopter joined members of Torridon and Kinlochewe Mountain Rescue Team in the search for the men after they failed to return to their accommodation on Friday night.

Mr Norman, a landscape architect and experienced mountaineer, suffered head injuries in the incident.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Both of the men had been involved in an avalanche and, on Saturday afternoon, one of the climbers was traced whilst summoning assistance for his companion.
“His companion was subsequently traced, but sadly he did not survive.”

Mr Norman was married and had three children.

His family issued a statement, saying: “Max was an amazing person and a hugely experienced mountaineer.

“He loved the Scottish Highlands and knew the area very well.

“We are utterly devastated by this tragedy and ask for space and time to comfort his young family and to mourn his loss.

“We are enormously grateful to the rescue services for all their efforts and for the kind support of the staff at the Torridon Youth Hostel.”

The Scottish Avalanche Information Service put the risk at low or moderate for northern aspects in the Torridon Highlands at the weekend.