Police have issued a stark warning to hillwalkers after six people lost their lives on mountains across Scotland in the space of two weeks.
Mountain rescue teams across the country have received a spike in callouts as many climbers are getting into difficulty during the wintry weather.
A total of six people have died over the past fortnight with dozens of casualties also reported.
The latest death happened on Tuesday night, when rescue crews dealt with an emergency callout on Ben Nevis near Fort William.
A 28-year-old man was found dead at the scene and 23 people were rescued off the mountain to safety.
Members of the Army also provided support to the stranded walkers however, two soldiers, aged 29 and 37, were injured during the mission and had to be taken to hospital for treatment.
In the weeks prior, a 61-year-old man lost his life on Ben More, Crianlarich, on February 27, shortly before a 54-year-old man died on March 1 on An Teallach in Dondonnell.
On March 2, a 47-year-old man died on Bidean Nam Bian in Glencoe and three days later a man, 50, died on Anoach Mor in Lochaber.
A 62-year-old man also lost his life while climbing Creag Meagaidh, Cairngorm, on March 7.
A search for Neil Gillingham, last seen near the summit of Stob Coire Nam Beith, Glencoe, has been stood down on Wednesday due to weather conditions, however, officers say it will resume once it is safe for rescue teams to do so.
