The body of a missing climber lost in an avalanche on a Lochaber mountain more than a week ago has been found.
Top mountaineer Andrew Vine, 41, from the Manchester area, was last seen on the west face of Aonach Mor, near Fort William, at about 1pm on February 28.
His female climbing partner was injured but she managed to walk to the Nevis Range snowsports centre to raise the alarm.
Bad weather and avalanche risk had hampered the search effort.
But members of Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team said Mr Vine’s body had been located on the mountain’s west face.
Deputy leader Donald Paterson said they found the body of missing climber Andrew Vine within five minutes of searching on Sunday.
“He must have been buried by about 6.5 feet in the initial avalanche and fallen at least 1312 to 1640 feet,” said Mr Paterson.
“The rain had washed away enough snow to locate him. We found him. It has brought closure to not only his family and friends but also to the team, who are emotionally involved too in such operations.
“We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to his wife, family and friends.”
Mr Vine, who was a highly experienced climber, was up in Scotland with a Manchester-based climbing club.
He had previous experience of expedition mountaineering in many parts of the world including the Indian Himalaya and Alps.
A police spokesman said: “We can confirm that the body of a man was found on Aonach Mor, Fort William around 12pm on Sunday.
“He is still to be formally identified, but the family of Andrew Vine, 41, from Manchester, who had been reported missing in the area, has now been informed.”
The body has been recovered with the assistance of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team.