The RAF search-and-rescue was twice forced to abandon the search because of bad weather
Two walkers missing on Cairn Gorm have been rescued and are safe and well.
The men were found a short time ago and airlifted from the mountain. They had been missing since yesterday in freezing conditions and heavy snow.
The two men, aged 29 and 22, were reported missing about 8pm last night by concerned family members after they failed to return from a walking and climbing trip on the 1,245m (4,085ft) mountain.
The 29-year-old was named by police as Marcus Scott, a chef at Aviemore Highland Resort. The 22-year-old, from the Inverness area, does not want his details disclosed.
Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team carried out an initial search last night before being defeated by worsening weather. A rescue helicopter could not join in the search because of the weather conditions.
Bad weather again forced a Sea King helicopter from RAF Kinloss to turn back this morning, as 21 members of Cairngorm MRT were joined by colleagues from Strathclyde Police MRT, 10 team members from the RAF Kinloss team and Search and Rescue Dogs Association dogs and handlers.
The search was concentrated on Coire Cas, Coire na Ciste and Coire Raibeirt.
A spokesperson for the Northern Constabulary said: “Police can confirm that two men reported missing in the Cairngorms last night have been found.
“They were picked up a short time ago on the hill by Rescue 137 from Kinloss.”
The spokesperson later added: “The men have been medically assessed and are described as safe and well. They are now heading home to recover from their ordeal.”
