Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has urged hillwalkers to keep away from the mountains until the coronavirus pandemic is over, and not to regard a high-level trek as an option for exercising.

Mr Cameron said: “In recent days members of the Oban Mountain Rescue Team have been out in the hills assisting walkers who have got into difficulty.

“They have been supported by the police and the ambulance service as well as by helicopter crews.

“At a time like this when the emergency services are likely to find themselves at full stretch it is simply not acceptable for people to put themselves in a position where they require this level of assistance.

“There are other options for taking exercise outside which should, in any event, be taken close to home and without risk to themselves or others.

“I would plead with anyone thinking about heading for the hills to think again and heed the advice of Mountaineering Scotland: ‘Stay Local, Stay Safe’.“