The couple set out for a walk from Glenmore, near Aviemore. Photo: Richard Webb CC-BY-SA-2.0

Two walkers have been found alive after going missing overnight in the Highlands.

The couple failed to return on New Year’s Day after heading out about 10am with their dog for a walk in the Glenmore area.

Police appealed to walkers for sightings of the 59-year-old man and 56-year-old woman and a major search was launched involving Cairngorm and Braemar Mountain Rescue Teams, an RAF Mountain Rescue Team and a search helicopter.

The overnight search in freezing, Arctic conditions failed to find the couple and their black collie dog, but the walkers and their animal, who were from England, were reported to have been found alive about noon on Monday and accompanied off the hills by rescuers.

Rescuers faced sub-zero temperatures and deep snow on the Cairn Gorm plateau during the search.

Police said the pair were safe and well.