Woman dies after being struck by lightning while hiking in Scottish Highlands

Second woman who sustained injuries is in stable condition

Isobel Bytautas has been named as the woman who was killed by a lightning strike in the Scottish Highlands yesterday (Facebook)

A woman who died after being struck by lightning while walking on a mountain range in the Scottish Highlands has been named as Isobel Bytautas.

The 55-year-old was hiking near Glencoe on Saturday evening when she and another member of her walking group were hit.

Police Scotland said both walkers were airlifted to a hospital in Fort William, but one died from her injuries. The other walker is in a stable condition.

Ms Bytautas’ next of kin have been informed.

Coastguard and ambulance service helicopters, alongside the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team, were dispatched to find the wounded group. They were located on Na Gruagaichean, a mountain about five miles south of Ben Nevis.

Ms Bytautas’ daughter, Ashley, wrote on social media: “Last night, dad and I received the most heartbreaking news imaginable…

“My mum died instantly, a freak one in a million accident you would never think is possible. I can’t imagine life without her, I’m lost.”

Ms Bytautas was walking with a group of seven hikers from the Linlithgow Ramblers when the lightning strike happened.

Inspector Isla Campbell said: “We are grateful for the prompt and professional response from partner agencies to this tragic incident and offer our condolences to the lady’s family.”

A statement from Police Scotland added: “At 5.42pm on Saturday 8 June, Police Scotland were alerted to an incident where two members of a walking group comprising seven people had been struck by lightning and injured.

“The party were traced on Na Gruagaichean in the Mamore Range near Kinlochleven.

“Two casualties and the rest of their party were airlifted to Fort William.

“Sadly, a woman aged 55 years died as a result of her injuries.

“The next of kin of the woman who died have been advised and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”

Press Association