A group of Scouts from Germany has been rescued from the hills on Skye after their campsite was hit by torrential rain.

The 14 young people were helped off the Trotternish Ridge by Skye mountain rescue team, then airlifted to Portree by the Coastguard.

They were met by police and volunteers from the British Red Cross today, who took them to the organisation's base at Kyle of Lochalsh which has been turned into a rest centre.

The Scouts - males and females aged between 14 and 22 - were able to use the centre's showers and are said to be "in good spirits".

Red Cross service manager Anne Eadie said: "The young people were exhausted and very wet when they arrived.

"They had been camping and were caught in torrential rain during the night. All their tents, sleeping bags and equipment were soaked.

"They are all very grateful for the help they're being given."