SAIS begins daily avalanche information reports

A lump of fallen cornice, or snow ledge, in Lochaber in the winter of 2013-14

Daily avalanche information reports for some of Scotland's most popular areas for hillwalkers and climbers have begun.

The Sportscotland Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) has been providing the service for several years.

It assesses avalanche hazard in six areas - Lochaber, Glen Coe, Creag Meagaidh, Southern Cairngorms , Northern Cairngorms and Torridon.

The reports are usually issued until mid-April.

Members of the service also regularly blog on conditions in the hills and mountains in these areas.