Scots killed in Alps fall

Thousands climb in the area each year

The names have been released of the two Scottish climbers who died after falling 1,500ft onto rocks while climbing a mountain in the French Alps.

Robin Cooper, 57, originally from Edinburgh, and Michael Johnston, 51, who was born in Aberdeen, were ascending the north face of Les Courtes on Sunday.

Both men had been recently living in London.

The 15,781ft (4810m) peak is near Chamonix in the Mont Blanc region.

Rescuers said there appeared to have been a problem with their equipment.

We understand that one of the pair slipped and fell and was then followed by the other, although it's not clear because no-one saw it happen

Frederic Boidin
Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne

Frederic Boidin, of the Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne in Chamonix, said the peak of the popular climb had been covered in compact snow and ice.

"We understand that one of the pair slipped and fell and was then followed by the other, although it's not clear because no-one saw it happen," he said.

"Two people who made the ascent before them heard their cries and they called us.

"The victims' bodies were found at the foot of the ascent."

The Mont Blanc range is about 15.5 miles long and almost 7.5 miles wide, with terrain ranging from glaciers to rocky ascents.

The resort town of Chamonix lies at the foot of the the 4807m Mont Blanc, which is popular with both skiers and climbers.