Two walkers have died after falling from a mountain in northern Scotland.
Concerns were raised for two men in difficulty on Ben Hope in Sutherland around 3.35pm on Tuesday.
A search operation was launched involving the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team and an HM Coastguard helicopter.
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, who he said were working “in extremely challenging conditions”.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of both of these men at this tragic time,” he said.
“I would also like to pass on our gratitude to the volunteers of Assynt Mountain Rescue Team for their efforts in extremely challenging conditions.”
