Coastguard helicopters joined the rescue operation. Photo: Oban MRT

One of the climbers who was airlifted from a Glen Coe mountain on Saturday has died in hospital.

The 57-year-old from Nottinghamshire was found by members of Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team on Saturday after spending the night on Stob Coire nan Lochan.

He and a 49-year-old man also from Nottinghamshire were both suffering from hypothermia.

The older climber was flown by Coastguard helicopter to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary but has since died.

His companion is in a stable condition in Belford Hospital, Fort William. His life is not believed to be at risk.

The two men were part of a larger group from the East Midlands who travelled to the area. They failed to return on Friday evening and a search by Glencoe MRT and the Stornoway Coastguard began.

It was believed the pair had been avalanched but after the search was stepped up on Saturday, with extra rescue teams joining the operation, the pair were found some distance away from avalanche debris.

A police spokesperson said: “Police Scotland can confirm that one of the two missing climbers rescued from the Glen Coe area on Saturday has sadly passed away.

“Next of kin are aware and our thoughts are with the man’s family at this sad time.”