Climbers urged to take care in Cairngorms
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Police Scotland is encouraging hillwalkers to take precautions and consider available weather information before heading into the mountains following the death of three climbers in an avalanche on Scotland's highest peak.
More heavy snow is forecast to fall in the Cairngorms and at lower levels in the strath through-out the weekend.
Inspector Isla Campbell said: “The circumstances of the incident at Ben Nevis remains under investigation however we want to take this opportunity to advise the public to carefully plan when heading to the mountain ranges.
“We do not want to put anyone off enjoying the great outdoors activities we have here in Scotland but we would ask that people plan their routes, take sensible precautions and consider whether it is safe to climb a particular route.
"The environment of the Scottish mountains is by its very nature an unpredictable one and it is important that people take as many precautions and plan ahead as much as possible if they are going to go climbing – especially at this time of year.
“Detailed information about weather conditions and avalanche risk are available from agencies including the Scottish Avalanche Information Service and we would encourage climbers to look at this information before heading out on the mountains.
"Be prepared to alter your routes or plans if there is indications that inclement weather or avalanches could affect your climb.”
The sole survivor of the avalanche on Ben Nevis has paid tribute to his fellow climbers who died, telling them "you will forever be in my heart".
Swiss national Mathieu Biselx, 30, lost three members of his group in the accident on Tuesday.
They were caught by a deluge of snow and ice, triggering a huge search and recovery operation in treacherous conditions.
The men were members of the Swiss Alpine Club in the town of Sion in the southwestern canton of Valais.
Mr Biselx, who has been receiving treatment for leg injuries at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, said in a Facebook post: "Raph, Cedric and Adrien, thank you for your friendship.
"Have a good trip to your new mountains.
"Thank you for all you have done for our community, and for your inspiration. You are going to be missed."
Two of the avalanche victims were French, aged 41 and 32, and the third was a Swiss 43-year-old.
The men were recovered by members of the Lochaber and Glencoe Mountain Rescue teams with assistance from volunteer rescuers training in the area.
It is the third fatal accident on 1,345m Ben Nevis in recent months.
On January 1 a 21-year-old Bristol University student from Germany died after falling from a ridge.
In December, Patrick Boothroyd, 21, from West Yorkshire, died after falling in the Tower Gully area.
Latest snow conditions can be found on https://www.sais.gov.uk/ .
