Overdue scouts rescued from remote Highlands bothy

Eight scouts who had to be rescued by helicopter after taking a wrong turn while trekking in the Cairngorms asked rescuers: Are we in trouble?''

The group of youngsters aged between 10 and 14 were reported missing after failing to return to the Carrbridge area.

The Coastguard was called last night, scanning the mountainous site with specialist cameras.

The crew found the group at 9.40pm waving and flashing lights towards the helicopter at a remote bothy.

Aircraft captain Simon Hammock said: “They had travelled a significant distance across uneven ground, and as the weather deteriorated had elected to seek shelter in a bothy.

“Their scouting training had been put to good use and had ultimately ensured their safety.

“We landed next to the bothy and as our winchman Jon approached the group, one of the smallest asked: 'Can we have a lift?' and then quickly followed up with: 'Are we in trouble?'

“He was able to put their minds at rest and when we returned them to their camp they were met with open arms by the other cubs and scouts. A great result.”

The scouts had made their way to a remote bothy on the River Dulnain, seven miles from their original camp at Sluggan Bridge.

They had lit a fire inside the building to keep warm, when it turned dark and the weather began to get colder.

The helicopter landed near the bothy and took the youngsters back to Sluggan Bridge, where Police Scotland and the Cairngorms Mountain Rescue Team were waiting for them.

They were given a warm welcome by their scout friends, who had raised the alarm that they were overdue