A MOUNTAIN rescue team and a coastguard helicopter scrambled to help an Aberdour hill runner who was left injured badly after a fall.

Robin Smith suffered a broken leg, torn ligaments and a misaligned ankle joint after the accident on West Lomond on Sunday morning.

The Ochils Mountain Rescue Team, including a local doctor, rushed to the scene and stretchered him down the hill to a spot where an HM Coastguard helicopter could land and fly him to hospital in Dundee.

A spokesperson for Ochils MRT said: "The team was called out by Police Scotland late on Sunday morning to assist an injured hill runner in the West Lomond area.

"Local team members, including a team doctor, were quickly on scene and provided medial assessment/warming while other team members deployed to the hill with our rescue stretcher.

"Rescue 199 from Prestwick lowered their winch paramedic with additional equipment and the casualty was then packaged in our rescue stretcher and carried down the hill to a point where R199 could land.

"The casualty was then flown to hospital.

"Many thanks to the hillwalkers who stopped to assist and kept the casualty warm until assistance arrived.

"As always, we wish the casualty a speedy recovery."

Mr Smith posted on the rescue team's Facebook page and said: "And a heartfelt 'thank you' from me, now home from Ninewells.

"For info, I have torn ligaments and a misaligned ankle joint that may need pinning, as well as fractured fibula (just below the knee) that also may need pinning – I'll hear tomorrow when the ortho guys look properly.

"Right now, I have a full leg and foot plaster. Can't thank the team enough!"

Grace Kinsella added: "Thank you mountain rescue people for today's assistance in the Lomonds.

"Myself, Shelagh and Robin are very happy you do what you do. Also wish to thank the ‘Outdoor Lads’ walking group for their assistance with extra clothing, hot soup, tea, good chat and advice. Thank you all."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We were made aware of an injured man on West Lomond Hill in Fife around 10.35am on Sunday.

"The man was taken to hospital after he was assisted by Ochils Mountain Rescue Team and a HM Coastguard helicopter."

West Lomond, at 522 metres, is the highest point in Fife and is situated west of Falkland.

It's a popular spot for walkers and there is also a Lomond Hill Runners club.