Cairngorms walkers found safe and well

Five hillwalkers have been found safe and well following a land and air search, police said.

The group was located by the mountain rescue team in the Glen Doll area of the Cairngorms at around 11.30am today.

Grampian Police said around 30 people helped search for the hikers, who had not been seen since Wednesday.

Tayside Police, Braemar Mountain Rescue, a Royal Navy helicopter and volunteers all joined the effort around Loch Muick.

Police said the weather in the area yesterday was "atrocious", with winds reaching 165mph in the Cairngorms as storms swept Scotland.

The alarm was raised last night when the men failed to return from their hike.

The group, aged between 29 and 40 and all from Aberdeen, left the Spittal of Glenshee area at lunchtime on Wednesday.

Police said they were "well-equipped and experienced walkers" but there were concerns for their well-being because of the weather.

Three search and rescue dogs were also used in the operation.

PA