AN ANGUS climber got lost in the Cairngorms after breaking his compass.

James Dungan (50), from Forfar, had set out to practise his navigational skills.

He was reported missing by his partner, Caroline Smith, in the early hours of yesterday morning when he failed to return on Thursday from a climb on Mullach Clach A’ Bhlair in the Glenfeshie area.

Members of Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team began a search for Mr Dungan at daylight, assisted by a RAF helicopter from Lossiemouth.

Speaking from home last night Mr Dungan said he was very well prepared to be on the mountain.

“I had tripped and damaged my compass so it was difficult to keep my bearing,” he said.

“I stumbled and broke my fall with the hand that was holding the compass. It was the sort of thing that could have happened on any kind of walk.”

Mr Dungan added, “You have to take into account the fact that something could go wrong.

“It could only happen once and if you’re not prepared for it, you’re in serious trouble.

“I had food and water for 30 hours, plenty of layers, a head and hand torch, and full waterproofs.

“The most important thing is the survival bag, which is a £3 plastic bag—I would have had severe hypothermia without that bag.”

Mr Dungan added that anyone heading for the hills should have all necessary equipment and leave full details of the walk with a family member.

And he urged people to take a hill walking skills course before considering going to the mountains.

He said, “If you don’t know how to use a map and compass you shouldn’t be there. I was very well prepared.”

Willie Anderson, leader of Cairngorm mountain rescue team, said that they made contact with Mr Dungan on his mobile phone in the morning.

Mr Anderson added, “He could hear us letting off flares so he knew how close we were. He was also asked if he could hear the helicopter.”

He added that Mr Dungan was an experienced climber, having bagged 60 Munros. He was well equipped.

Mr Dungan was located safe and well by the helicopter at around 10am and flown off the hill.

* A 31-year-old man was taken to hospital in Skye on Thursday night after injuring himself on Coire Lagan.

Skye Mountain Rescue Team stretchered the man, who has not been named, off the hill and he was taken to Broadford Hospital. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.