Two Tayside climbers had a mobile phone and whistles to thank after being rescued from an Angus beauty spot in the early hours of Thursday.
The Perth pair had got into trouble after losing their way in “appalling” weather following a climb in the Glen Doll area, near Kirriemuir.
A police spokesman said: “Luckily these men were very experienced and were able to protect themselves by keeping warm and not straying from the location they gave us.
“They also used their whistles to help rescue teams, which no doubt led to them being found as quickly as they were as visibility was next to nothing.”
The men reached the top of the cliff on Corrie Fee at 9pm on Wednesday but got caught out in whiteout conditions and were unable to make their way down safely.
Without any phone signal to call 999, the experienced climbers managed to send an emergency text message to the police. They were discovered at 3.15am by the teams and led to safety.
Corrie Fee’s path is popular all year round with hillwalkers and the crags are well known for winter climbing.
The path goes on up to the top of the corrie, but it is very steep and leads on to an open plateau.
A spokesman for Tayside Mountain Rescue said: “A full team call-out was initiated at about 10pm on Wednesday night for two missing persons in the Corrie Fee area of Glen Doll.
“Due to the weather conditions, Rescue 137 was not able to fly. The two casualties were located at 3.15am, very cold but unhurt, and were able to be walked off the mountain by team members.
“It’s still winter conditions out there, so please be careful whatever you are doing in the mountains.”
Rescuers found both men were in good physical condition but they were extremely cold and shaken from the ordeal.
They were fully equipped for their climb, and had all the necessary tools and skills for that, but they didn’t have emergency survival equipment or additional extra warm clothing for an overnight stay.
Team leader Stuart Johnston added: “Both of these men were lucky to have been found in the early hours of the morning as weather conditions were deteriorating.
“We would remind all hillwalkers and climbers to think about the precarious weather conditions before heading out on to the mountains.
“It might be late springtime, but winter still has a grip on our Scottish mountains and even the most experienced walker or climber can come into difficulty.”
The team has given the following safety advice to climbers thinking of taking to the hills:
* Always take a mobile phone and ensure its fully charged
* Check the local mountain weather forecast
* Avoid going beyond your capabilities
* Always leave information about your route with a family member or friend
* Always pack the correct equipment
Tayside Mountain Rescue has 26 full team members, including four search and rescue dog handlers.