In what emergency services are calling an 'absolute miracle', a woman who vanished during a walk in the Scottish Highlands has been found alive after five days lost in one of Britain's most challenging wilderness areas.
The 37-year-old, whose identity remains protected, was discovered by dedicated mountain rescue teams in the remote Cairngorms mountain range on Wednesday afternoon. She had been missing since Friday, sparking one of the most extensive search operations in recent Scottish history.
The dramatic discovery came after rescue teams from Cairngorm, Braemar, and RAF Lossiemouth combed through treacherous terrain in deteriorating weather conditions. The woman was located in an extremely remote area known for its sudden weather changes and difficult navigation.
Remarkable survival against the odds saw the woman endure sub-zero temperatures, heavy rainfall, and strong winds while lost in the wilderness. Mountain rescue experts have expressed astonishment at her ability to survive such harsh conditions for an extended period.
Rescue team leader Iain Nicolson described the moment they found her: 'We had been searching for hours in challenging conditions when we spotted her. Her resilience is extraordinary - to survive five nights in these mountains at this time of year is nothing short of miraculous.'
The woman was immediately wrapped in emergency blankets and given warm fluids before being carefully extracted from the mountainside. She was transported to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness where medical staff report she is 'responsive and receiving treatment for exposure.'
Police Scotland confirmed that despite her ordeal, the woman was able to communicate with her rescuers and is expected to make a full recovery. The operation involved over 50 mountain rescue specialists, police officers, and RAF crew using helicopters with thermal imaging technology.
Local communities across the Highlands had joined the search effort, with volunteers providing support to professional rescue teams. The successful outcome has been celebrated as a testament to the skill and dedication of Scotland's mountain rescue services.
As investigation continues into how the woman became lost, safety experts are reminding hillwalkers to always check weather forecasts, carry appropriate equipment, and ensure someone knows their planned route and expected return time.
