Those who go walking in wintry conditions need to make sure they are fully prepared for the conditions, the head of Central Scotland Police has said.

Chief Inspector Kevin Findlater has criticised a walker who climbed the 2,884 ft Corbett Ben Ledi without wearing a winter jacket, taking an Ordnance Survey map or having a compass.

He stated: "To go up the hills at this time of the year and not to be properly equipped or prepared for extreme conditions is inexcusable. It is playing with people's lives."

The walker, who had also gone up without food, travelled light as he was familiar with the mountain, but had to call for help after being caught in whiteout conditions, something that may act as a reminder that even familiarity with a location in normal conditions may be of no use in wintry weather.

In November, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland issued a series of tips to those heading for the mountains in winter.

As well as taking extra clothing, it advised using equipment like ice axes and crampons, as well as checking the weather forecast and being prepared to turn back if the weather turns bad.