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Man rescued after falling at Bonnie Prince Charlie cave in Skye

News imagePortree RNLI An orange and black coloured lifeboat is powering through the sea off the coast of Skye. White disturbed water can be seen in the wake of the boat. In the distance is a rocky stretch of coastline partly obscured by low cloud.Portree RNLI
The rescue operation was described as challenging by Portree RNLI lifeboat crew

A lifeboat crew helped to rescue a man after he was injured in a fall at a cave once used as a hiding place by Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Portree RNLI volunteers were alerted at about 13:40 on Wednesday to the accident in Trotternish in Skye.

The crew assessed the man's injuries and he was flown to hospital by a coastguard helicopter.

Skye was among the places the prince sought safety during his escape to France following his defeat at the Battle of Culloden in April 1746.

The man was injured after falling from a rocky ledge.

Portree RNLI coxwain Stuart Nicolson said it had been a challenging incident.

He said the casualty was located in quite a remote area of coastline.

"The team worked well together alongside colleagues from the Scottish Ambulance Service and HM Coastguard, which helped to ensure the casualty was evacuated safely from the scene", said Nicolson.

"We send our best wishes to the casualty and wish them a speedy recovery."

The Scottish Ambulance Service said the coastguard and RNLI were asked for help because the location was not accessible by ambulance.

A spokesperson added: "One patient was airlifted to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, by HM Coastguard."