A series of accidents on Scottish mountains resulted in two men being killed and three others suffering injuries.

The deaths, which happened in separate accidents, came as mountain rescuers warned hillwalkers and climbers to be properly equipped before venturing into the Highlands.

David Bearfield, of Picktillum Avenue, Aberdeen, died in Loch na Gar, Aberdeenshire, in the Cairngorm mountains.

The 40-year-old's, body was found in a corrie by an RAF mountain rescue team on a training exercise in the area shortly before 1600 GMT on Saturday, during "appalling" weather.

His companion, Alex Guild, 33, of Henderson Avenue, Kintore, Aberdeenshire - who was thought to have been disorientated and suffering minor injuries - was found the RAF team and Grampian Police mountain rescue.

Mr Guild was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where his injuries were said not to be life-threatening.

Death from head injuries

In a separate incident in the Cairngorms near Aviemore, Invernessshire, Iain Simpson, of Long Row, Halbeath, Dunfermline, Fife, died of head injuries following a fall at the Coire An't Sneachda area at about 1230 GMT on Saturday.

The 51-year-old was found after a search by the Cairngorm mountain rescue team and a search and rescue helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth.

The victim was airlifted to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, but was declared dead on arrival.

His climbing companion, Leonard Trim, 47, of North Roundal Limekilms, Dunfermline, Fife, was stretchered off the mountain suffering from leg injuries and was detained in Raigmore Hospital.

Poor conditions

A spokeswoman for Northern Constabulary said conditions on the mountain were very poor. "We were fortunate a number of mountain rescue teams were training in the area and could come to the help of the man and his injured companion so quickly."

In another incident, a man from the Midlands suffered facial injuries when he fell 100ft on a snow-covered slope on Ben More, near Crianlarich, Stirlingshire.

Andrew Evites, in his early twenties, called for help on his mobile phone after the fall, which happened at about 1400 GMT.

He was airlifted to Glasgow's Southern General Hospital by a rescue helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth, after being found by the Killin mountain rescue team.

A spokesman for the team warned climbers coming to the area they must have a full winter survival kit, including an ice axe and crampons.