The men were caught in an avalanche on Creag Meagaidh. Photo: Paul Birrell CC-BY-SA-2.0

A climber has died after an avalanche on a Lochaber mountain.

He was climbing with another man on Creag Meagaidh on Wednesday when the pair were caught in the snow slide.

Both were airlifted to Belford Hospital in Fort William. The man’s climbing partner remains in a serious condition.

Members of the Lochaber, Glencoe, Cairngorm and Glenmore Lodge Mountain Rescue Teams went to the scene. 67 team members were involved in the operation on the mountain, along a Search and Rescue Dogs Association Scotland member and police officers.

The Inverness Coastguard rescue helicopter crew left its search for missing Ben Nevis climbers Rachel Slater and Tim Newton and flew the 19 miles (31km) to the mountain, east of Spean Bridge.

The helicopter airlifted the pair to hospital, but one of the men died from his injuries.

Inspector Donald Campbell said: “Police Scotland would like to thank all rescue personnel involved in today’s rescue for the rapid response and determination displayed in very challenging conditions.

“Sadly, one man succumbed to his injuries and his climbing companion remains in hospital.”

Police said no further details of the man will be released until next of kin are fully informed.

The incident is the second in 10 days in which climbers have been avalanched on Creag Meagaidh. One man was flown to hospital after falling 1,000ft in the incident earlier this month. His climbing partner received only minor injuries.