MOUNTAIN rescue teams were scrambled to the Ochils last night after hillwalkers got into difficulty.

As the weather deteriorated, two walkers found themselves lost and had to phone emergency services, prompting a search effort from the Ochils Mountain Rescue Team (OMRT).

An OMRT spokesperson said: “The team were called out last night (Tuesday) at 7.15pm to search for two walkers who had become disoriented when weather conditions deteriorated and cloud levels dropped.

“Five team members formed a hasty party to search from the summit of the Law to Ben Cleuch where our phone finding system had last placed the casualties.

“Weather conditions and light continued to deteriorate making searching a slow process. Further team members searched adjacent areas around the Burnfoot Wind Farm.

“At approximately 9.50pm the casualties were found by the hasty party, very cold and very relieved to see us appear out of the cloud, near the summit of Ben Cleuch, and were immediately given additional clothing and placed in a bivvy shelter to stop further heat loss.”

The walkers were then walked off the hill and reunited with their awaiting families at the OMRT base near Fishcross.

The search and rescue organisation then issued a warning to anyone considering going out to the hills when the weather is poor.

They said: “It is still 'summer’; however conditions last night were very windy, wet and cold and it is worth remembering that hillwalkers should be prepared for any and all weathers and carry a map and compass - and know how to use them - this is essential for any time of year in the Scottish Mountains. Do not rely on mobile phones as the batteries can run out.”