Two man have died after falling from a mountain in the Scottish Highlands.
A desperate search operation was launched for the two men after concerns were raised about two walkers having difficulty on Tuesday.
The rescue mission was launched at about 3.45pm and included the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team and a HM Coastguard helicopter.
The men were reported to have fallen into difficulty on Ben Hope in Sutherland.
The helicopter crew discovered the bodies on the north-west side of the 3,041ft mountain shortly after 2am on Wednesday.
Police say efforts are ongoing to recover them.
Inspector Kevin Macleod thanked the mountain rescue volunteers working "in extremely challenging conditions".
He said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of both of these men at this tragic time.
"I would also like to pass on our gratitude to the volunteers of Assynt Mountain Rescue Team for their efforts in extremely challenging conditions."
