Rescue In The Highlands

The BBC is reporting both on radio and on its website that a rescue operation is underway on Stob Ban - 3,750 feet - in the Mamores near Fort William after three climbers reportedly fell around 700 feet down the North Gully.

The fall was witnessed by other climbers who called out the local Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and a helicopter. Five Live was reporting that the fallen climbers were moving around after the fall suggesting that their injuries may not be severe.

Update The BBC is now reporting that three men were airlifted to hospital in Fort William and are no thought to be seriously injured. Latest information is that the three - two from England, one from Scotland - were swept off by an avalanche and that their injuries were not serious.

The accident follows on from several incidents at the weekend which led to a total of 16 people being rescued from Scottish mountains and underlines the need for care in the current cold conditions.

You can check current mountain weather details using the OUTDOORSmagic weather page, which is accessible from the Get Outdoors section of the menu at the top of the page.

Not too that the Avalanche Information Service is now up and running at www.sais.gov.uk.

Forecasters say that a slow thaw will begin today.