Scotland's mountain rescue teams are almost at breaking point due to growing demand and rising financial pressure, it has been warned.

They handled 579 incidents in 2015 - about 160 more than in 2005 - and the number of call outs has risen each year since 2001.

Scottish Mountain Rescue receives an annual government grant of £312,000, which is shared among 27 teams.

However, its funding has not increased in over a decade and teams are largely supported by the volunteers who run them.

Chairman Damon Powell said: "We are under huge pressure to fundraise and just about every team is struggling.

"With the amount of kit we now have to carry and the requirement to change and upgrade it regularly, costs are spiralling.

"We have received £312,000 a year from the Scottish Government for the last 12 years - that's not a criticism as most charities are having their funding cut - but there has been a significant rise in the number of incidents.

"We're not at breaking point yet but there is no doubt that it's on the horizon."

Scottish Mountain Rescue published its first annual report on Wednesday, highlighting the work of teams which spent almost 40,000 hours in the hills last year on 1005 call outs.

In a foreword, justice secretary and former mountain rescuer Michael Matheson discussed the "hidden demands" on volunteers and their families.

He wrote: "It is clear that the demands and expectations being placed on individual members and teams are growing.

"There is also now an increasing understanding of the unseen and unreported consequences for the families, partners and employers of the volunteers who often leave social events, family gatherings and workplaces to go to the assistance of those in need.

"The impact on that wider 'support group' should also be clearly understood, acknowledged and appreciated."

SMR vice-chairman Kev Mitchell said: "We are pleased the cabinet secretary recognises and supports the vital work of Mountain Rescue throughout Scotland, and our close relationship with the Scottish Government is something we value highly. Their support is much appreciated."