Early hours shout for Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team as overdue An Teallach climber triggers major Wester Ross emergency response

THE importance of walkers ensuring they have appropriate equipment on winter outings has been emphasised after a major alert in Ross-shire.

The warning came after a walker who had been out on the hills for over 26 hours was located after a mountain rescue team alert.

The Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team (DMRT) had an early shout on Wednesday morning as volunteers were roused around 1am after concern over a hillwalker overdue after a walk on An Teallach.

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The team was deployed along with Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 948 which searched through the night without any joy.

As daylight came in the team were joined by Police Scotland north division and RAF mountain rescue teams, two SARDA Scotland dogs, a police dog section and Rescue 151.

At around 1pm the overdue walker "was located safe if a little tired after walking for over 26 hours".

A spokesman for DMRT said: "Thanks to all agencies and team members who put in a big shift resulting in a good outcome.

"If heading out onto the hills at this time of year please make sure that you have the appropriate equipment and that it all works correctly."

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