The view of Arthur's Seat from the Royal Navy Sea King. Photo: Royal Navy

A walker was rescued from a landmark hill in the Scottish capital after falling and injuring himself.

The 25-year-old man was discovered by a passer-by in an area of scrub below the summit of Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.

A Royal Navy Sea King helicopter from HMS Gannet in Ayrshire flew to the scene in Holyrood Park, where emergency services were attempting to rescue the walker.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “Officers from Lothian and Borders Police, firefighters from Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Ambulance paramedics were all called to the scene, in what became a major emergency response.

“Having found the man, given him immediate medical treatment and packaged him ready to take him down from the hill, it became clear that getting him out of the difficult area was going to be problematic.

“The duty crew from HMS Gannet was then called in as the safest means of moving the casualty from the rugged spot.

“An unusual sight in central Edinburgh, the Mark 5 Sea King was brought to a hover above the walker and the crew then conducted a winch recovery with a stretcher before rushing him to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for further treatment.”

Arthur’s Seat rises to 251m (823ft) above the city and is a popular walking area for residents of the capital and visitors.