Stornoway Coastguard crew members joined the search. Photo: Maritime and Coastguard Agency

A walker has been found safe and well after a major search in the Scottish Highlands.

Police were alerted at 4.45pm yesterday when they were called by the woman, who was walking alone in the Kylesku area of Sutherland, to say she was lost in the mountains and needed help.

But before she could give any further details, the mobile phone signal was lost and police could not make contact with her again.

Members of Assynt Mountain Rescue Team were joined by the Stornoway Coastguard helicopter in a search of the area south of Loch Beag, but she was not found and the operation was suspended overnight.

Police asked other walkers to be on the lookout for the woman, who was described as 5ft 5in tall, with short brown hair and wearing beige trouser and carrying a rucksack.

The search resumed at 7am today with the Assynt team being joined by RAF Kinloss Mountain Rescue Team, the Northern Constabulary dog section and the Coastguard helicopter.

Police announced that the woman has been traced and is well. A spokesperson said: “She is believed to be tired, but uninjured.”

Her details are not being released.