A gamekeeper and his son rescued two stranded hillwalkers who became separated from their friends on a Scottish mountain.

Donald Fraser and his son Donald set off in a boat in heavy rain after the other members of the walking party called at their home to raise the alarm.

They traced Alistair Bisset, from Edinburgh, and Alan Tweedie, from Perth, shortly after midnight.

These unselfish actions from members of the community in providing assistance are much appreciated

Police spokesman

And police have praised the actions of the two men who came to their rescue.

A spokesman for Northern Constabulary said: "The unsolicited, prompt and effective actions of Donald Fraser and his son in going out and locating the two missing hillwalkers saved them from having to attempt to cross the dangerous crossing, in the dark, of a burn in full spate.

"These unselfish actions from members of the community in providing assistance are much appreciated."

Police were notified at about 2330BST on Saturday that the two men had not returned from the hill west of Inverness.

They were in a seven-strong party which had set off from Mullardoch Dam, Glen Cannich, that morning with the aim of walking the Mullardoch Ridge.

Became separated

They planned to climb four hills, including An Riabhachan.

Two of the climbers turned back due to the difficult terrain, leaving the other five to complete the climb.

The remaining walkers became separated near the summit of An Riabhachan at about 1700.

Three of the climbers made it off the hill and expected to be followed by Mr Bisset and Mr Tweedie, who were both experienced and well equipped walkers.

Raise alarm

However, the pair lost their way in the mist and heavy rain and were slowed down by the wet conditions.

Their five friends became worried about their safety and called at Mr Fraser's home at the Glen Cannich Estate to raise the alarm.

After the police were contacted the gamekeeper and his son set off up Loch Mullardoch to look for the missing walkers.

The found them shortly after midnight, stranded on the west side a burn which was in full spate.