A HILL climber from Royston has died after plunging down a mountain in the Cairngorms. David Rainey, 32, of Woodcock Road, slipped during a hike at Coire an t- Sneachda. Emergency services were called on Saturday at 11.40am and within an hour an RA

A HILL climber from Royston has died after plunging down a mountain in the Cairngorms.

David Rainey, 32, of Woodcock Road, slipped during a hike at Coire an t- Sneachda.

Emergency services were called on Saturday at 11.40am and within an hour an RAF helicopter was on the scene.

He was found to be dead on arrival after being airlifted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

He is believed to have suffered multiple injuries.

Mr Rainey's wife, Bronagh, is reception class teacher at St Mary's School, Royston where his five-year-old daughter Eabha is a pupil.

Head teacher Robert Dunbar said: "The school is in shock.

"We are behind the family and our thoughts are with them."

Mr Rainey is believed to have come originally from the Midlands and was an experienced hill climber.

It is understood he was in a group of hill climbers when the accident occurred.

A report on the accident is being prepared to send to the Procurator Fiscal in Inverness.

Tim Walker, principle of the nearby Glenmore Lodge Outdoor Centre spoke of his sadness about the accident.

"Every incident is clearly regrettable. I think every hill walker and mount-aineer will share a feeling of sadness," he said.

Five climbers died in incidents on Coire an t-Sneachda during a two month period in 2006.