A CUMBRIAN hiker has died after falling 30metres from a mountain in the Scottish Highlands.

The 42-year-old, from the north of the county, fell from Glen Nevis on Sunday afternoon.

The incident sparked a six-hour rescue to recover his body, which included 19 members from Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team (LMRT).

Rescuers battled the sub-zero temperatures as Storm Dennis added a further challenging element to the difficult situation.

Police Scotland have named the man as Richard Armstrong from Wigton.

A spokesman from Police Scotland told the News & Star: "The 42-year-old suffered a fall from the path for Stob Ban on the south side of the glen.

"The incident was reported to police shortly after 1pm on Sunday, February 16.

"The man was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was recovered by the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team.

"A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Inspector Isla Campbell, of Fort William Police Station, said: "Our thoughts are with Richard's family and friends at this time.

"I would also take the opportunity to thank our partner agencies for their assistance."

In a statement, a spokesman from Lochaber MRT added: "The team were out on Sunday afternoon for a particularly challenging callout amidst Storm Dennis.

"A person fell from the path approximately 30m on Stob Ban into a gorge.

"Sadly his injuries were fatal.

"It took an extraordinary effort from 19 members of LMRT to extricate and then evacuate the casualty off the hill which which all in all took about six hours .

"This was only made more difficult by the constant wind which blew multiple members off their feet meaning gusts of up to 50mph approximately, along with wind, hail, snow, thunder and lightning to add to the mix.

"A massive thanks to all involved for the efforts required to complete this rescue.

"Our thoughts go out to friends and family of the casualty."