Search teams faced difficult conditions

Bad weather had initially prevented a helicopter getting to the scene and the risk of a further avalanche led to the withdrawal of mountain rescuers.

But on Sunday afternoon, a coastguard helicopter was able to reach the scene and the bodies of the victims were taken to Ullapool.

The bodies were initially traced by a rescue dog working with the Dundonnell mountain rescue team.

A police spokesman said officers in Dingwall were informed that the pair were missing late on Saturday evening.

The Dundonnell team and RAF rescue teams from Kinloss, Leuchars and Leaming, who had been on exercise in the area, began a search after midnight.

High winds

They were aided by details of the climb which the men had left behind in the event of difficulties.

Mr Collier and Mr McQuaker had embarked on an ice climb which was considered to be of medium difficulty.

Rescuers faced a struggle to get to the men amid high winds and heavy snow.

The police spokesman said: "At about 0715 GMT on Sunday, Dundonnell reported that two casualties had been found at the foot of Penguin Gully, having been avalanched."

Colin Meek: "The snow was very deep"

Calum MacRae, of the Dundonnell team, said: "We were called out at about 1.15am and were joined by the three RAF teams.

"Conditions were absolutely horrendous, the guys were walking waist deep in the snow.

"There were driving winds and one of the team members said that they were as high as 80mph."

Colleague Colin Meek said: "Conditions were really very bad, it was very bad visibility.

"The snow was very deep, we had to battle against the winds.

"We had lookouts making sure the slope wasn't going to go when we were working there."