A 66-YEAR-OLD hillwalker has died after falling while on Càrn Mòr Dearg, the ninth highest mountain in the UK.

Emergency services were alerted to the accident on the 1220m (4003ft) mountain, which is linked by a ridge to Ben Nevis in Fort William, around 12.30pm on Sunday.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team sent around 10 members after being called out with a coastguard helicopter arriving later to retrieve the man’s body and his fellow walkers.

Iain Murray, leader of Lochaber MRT said: “He fell a considerable distance in a very steep place. I believe he had two of his sons with him and so this is a particularly tragic event for them.”

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Police said it is not believed that there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Officers received a report of a man having fallen at Càrn Mòr Dearg near Fort William at around 12.30pm on Sunday.

"Emergency services attended, and a 66-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

"There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and next of kin have been informed. A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal."

It is thought the victim was visiting the area, possibly from England.