A holidaymaker who planned to take photographs of a beautiful sunset on Skye found himself caught out by the weather as snow fell on one of Scotland’s most picturesque peaks.
The 20-year-old man was well equipped to tackle Sgurr Na Stri in the Cuillins but became “cold and tired” after struggling to pitch his tent on the steep ground.
Skye Mountain Rescue Team eventually had to intervene, using the mobile phone app SARLOC to pinpoint his location.
The photographer was taken off the hill in the early hours of yesterday morning before he could sustain any serious harm.
Neil Urguhart, deputy team leader of Skye Mountain Rescue Team, said: “The call out was just before 7pm on Tuesday.
“A lad had reported that he was stuck on a hill called Sgurr Na Stri, which overlooks Loch Coruisk.
“It is a popular walk, especially with photographers.
“It was his plan to camp overnight there and secure a sunrise picture, which seems to be a popular thing at the moment.
“There was some fresh snow on the ground and, although it wasn’t particularly difficult ground, it was a lot more than he was used to.”
Mr Urquhart said the man was, on the face of it, well prepared with a tent and warm clothing but had endured a long walk to reach his destination.
“It is a good way from any roads and he had been walking for five hours with a very heavy bag.
“The weather wasn’t as good as was forecast. It had been sleeting all day at sea level and it was pretty horrible.
“He had planned to stay out overnight but couldn’t find anywhere to pitch the tent because it was steep ground and he couldn’t move.”
The nine mountain rescue team members had a long drive over rough ground on a hill track to Camus Unary before walking to find the casualty.
They discovered him at around 1,476ft up the 1,620ft hill.
The casualty was found cold and tired but otherwise safe and well.
Mr Urquhart said: “One of the team carried his rucksack, which was a lot heavier than what we usually carry, I’m not surprised he was tired.”
Rescuers said the 20-year-old was a visitor from outwith the UK.