The rescue team was called out about 9.45pm. Photo: Rachel Maclennan

Rescuers have emphasised the need for hill-goers to carry a headtorch after they were called out to search for an overdue walker.

Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team was alerted about 9.45pm on Tuesday after the man failed to return from a planned ascent of Am Faochagach, a few miles south-east of Ullapool.

A search involving 18 team volunteers and two animals from the Search and Rescue Dogs Association began. The missing walker was found on the munro about 40 minutes past midnight, cold but otherwise unharmed.

Rescuers rewarmed the man and accompanied him back to the roadside. He did not need hospital treatment.

Dundonnell MRT leader Iain Nesbitt said: “I would like to emphasise the importance of carrying a headtorch when in the hills at all times of year.

“Also, the humble whistle should be in everyone’s rucksack. It remains a potentially lifesaving item when used to attract the attention of rescuers should an accident occur, particularly in the dark.”