Two men from Glasgow who had to be rescued after getting into difficulty climbing Ben Nevis have been fined for breaking lockdown restrictions.

The men were rescued from the mountain in a multi-team operation after travelling more than 100 miles from Glasgow to Fort William in the Highlands on Saturday.

The climbers got into difficulty in Minus Two Gully and police were alerted at about 4.15pm.

The Lochaber mountain rescue team were called in to assist with the rescue, which lasted for about an hour and a half.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We received a report around 4.15pm on Saturday, January 30, of two climbers in difficulty on Ben Nevis.

“Members of the local mountain rescue and coastguard teams attended, including air support, and both the men were recovered safely around 5.45pm.

“There were no injuries and both were issued with fixed penalty notices for breaching coronavirus regulations.”

In Scotland if anyone over the age of 18 is found to be in breach of the rules they may be issued with a fine for £60 – reduced to £30 if paid within 28 days. In England it is a £200 for a first offence, lowered to £100 if paid within 14 days.