It is believed an aluminium walking pole he was carrying attracted the fatal lightning bolt.

His climbing companion, who has not been named, tried to call the emergency services on his mobile phone. However, the storm had already put the mobile phone mast at Tyndrum out of action.

It was more than two hours before he was able to make his way off the 3373ft hill and raise the alarm.

A helicopter from HMS Gannet at Prestwick was scrambled and Mr Hunter was found near the summit.

Despite attempts by the crew to revive him, he died in the helicopter.

Mr Hunter’s family were too upset to talk about the accident today.

A family friend said Mrs Hunter and her daughter were being comforted by relatives.

A spokesman for HMS Gannet said, “It was a sudden, violent electrical storm and these people got caught in it with tragic consequences.”

Tayside Mountain Rescue Team leader Alfie Ingram said lightning strikes on the mountains were rare, but not unknown.

“It happens from time to time, and perhaps more remarkably people occasionally survive it, although sadly not on this occasion.

“When you are out on the hills you have to be aware of having ice axes or radio aerials sticking up, and we have had experience of metal components actually ringing with the electrical charge in the air.

Hillwalkers caught in an electrical storm are advised to lie flat on the ground or to seek shelter.

Anyone standing on top of a hill could become a natural conductor for lightning.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) said up to five people died every year in the UK after being struck by lightning.

Spokesman Roger Vincent advised anyone outdoors during a storm to avoid swimming and to keep away from wide open spaces, isolated trees, aerials or masts.

Trees in particular should be avoided as they “literally explode” when struck and the flying bark can “injure like shrapnel”, he said.

Anyone caught in a storm should shelter in a brick building or in their car as the tyres will provide insulation if the vehicle is struck.

Mr Vincent also warned against carrying long or metal objects which can attract strikes, such as golf clubs, umbrellas, fishing rods, or climber’s pickaxes.

Large parties of people should not crowd together as multiple deaths have been recorded from lightning currents jumping between bodies.

He added, “If you are close to rocks, metal fences or buildings and they start to emit a buzzing sound and or your hair starts to stand on end, move away from them quickly as a strike may be imminent.

“If your clothes are wet you are less likely to be injured as the charge passes right through them rather than you.

He stressed, “But the best advice is that if bad weather is forecast, consider delaying your walk.”

Mr Hunter’s death came after parts of the country were swept by thunder storms yesterday afternoon and evening.