Two ultra marathon runners, with a dog, had been reported overdue from a run the previous night. Torridon and Dundonnell mountain rescue teams were called to find the missing men in "very challenging conditions". There was deep snow in places and rivers and burns were in full spate.

The men were found near Loch an Nid in Fisherfield Forest, an area of the north west Highlands dubbed the "Great Wilderness". They were suffering from mild hypothermia and were flown from the area by the coastguard helicopter. The dog, Nell, ran off after being frightened by the helicopter.

On Monday, off-duty Dundonnell team members Alison Smith and Rachel Drummond returned to the scene with their dogs. As well as packing winter walking kit, they took with them a disposable barbecue.

A spokesman for Dundonnell MRT said: "They fired up the barbeque and soon had sausages and bacon sizzling. The desired effect was soon achieved - a confused and anxious Border collie appeared on the horizon, on a rocky hillside. Having been lured closer by the smell of food, a nervous Nell was eventually secured and after a picnic lunch, she and her rescuers walked the five miles back to the roadside."

The spokesman said Nell appeared to have been unharmed by her ordeal.