A CLIMBER from Glasgow has died after a fall on Britain's highest mountain.

The 57-year-old, who police said was from the Glasgow area, was with a friend on Ben Nevis when he fell to his death on Saturday.

The men were at the Carn Dearg Buttress, described by climbing expert Gary Latter as "the showpiece cliff" of the north face.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team assisted in recovering the man's body after the accident was reported at 11am.

A spokesman said: "This is the team's third fatality this year and always leaves an air of sadness within the team no matter how many you are involved with.

"Our thoughts are, as always, with family and friends at this time."

They also gave thanks "to all who assisted on the hill, whose valiant efforts were much appreciated".

Police Scotland said the man fell and was fatally injured.

They said next of kin had not been told and could give no further details.

It came just two days after four walkers were airlifted from the mountain after getting lost in the dark and straying perilously close to steep crags.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team was alerted by police after the group called for help from the summit plateau.

The walkers had no torches and attempts by the rescue team to talk them down by a safe route were unsuccessful.

A Royal Navy Sea King search and rescue helicopter from HMS Gannet in Ayrshire flew to the scene and the walkers were found near the top of Five Finger Gully, a known blackspot for accidents, on the mountain's south-western edge.

The helicopter crew picked up the four and flew them to the rescue team's base in Glen Nevis.