Hillwalkers have relied on it for their safety for years.

Now the independent Mountain Weather Information Service is to be government funded for the first time.

The free weather forecasting service, provided by Geoff Monk, is generally regarded by climbers as being superior to that provided by the Met Office.

It covers five geographical areas in Scotland: North-West Highlands; West Highlands; Cairngorms; South-East Highlands and Southern Uplands.

The service will now benefit from funding of £36,000 per annum from sportscotland, over the next three years.

Stewart Maxwell, Minister for Communities and Sport, said: "It is absolutely vital we have a reliable mountain weather service to reassure walkers they have the best information at their fingertips.

"That's why this service will be fully funded by the Scottish government, through sportscotland, for the first time from this winter season."

Roger Wild, mountain safety adviser for the Mountaineering Council of Scotland, welcomed the news. He said: "This will be the first publicly-funded comprehensive mountain weather forecast service for outdoor users in Scotland and it will be a major resource in promoting the safety and enjoyment of all who go into the outdoors."