Rise in avalanches in Scottish peaks following recent heavy snow

The 200th avalanche in Scotland's mountains this winter has been recorded.

The total is nearly 80 more than the whole of last season.

On Sunday rescuers recovered the body of missing climber Andrew Vine - the first victim of white death in Scotland this season.

Mr Vine, (41), from the Manchester area, and a female climbing companion were on 4006 feet high Aonach Mor on Friday when they were hit a big snow slide.

His climbing partner, who managed to walk to the ski area on the mountain despite her injuries, was carried 'several hundred metres' by the avalanche. The pair were not roped together having just finished a climb.

Heavy snow and high winds gusting up to 85mph have returned to the Cairngorms today.

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