Police reminder of mountain safety in the Highlands following recent call outs
Police Scotland is asking the public to be prepared for all eventualities in the Highlands when enjoying hiking and climbing following a number of recent mountain rescue incidents.
Mountain users are urged to ensure they are fully equipped for their activities and are prepared for conditions at this time of year which includes a torch and spare batteries.
Since the beginning of October 2021, a number of incidents have happened where people have become lost due to fading light.
As a result, police and Mountain Rescue Team volunteers have responded to a number of calls to assist people from remote and rural locations who have inadequate skills and equipment to safely complete their route or have a lack of equipment for darkness.
On Sunday, 2 November, 2021, a man and teenage boy became lost in the Spean Bridge area at around 6.20pm and were walked safely off the hill with mountain rescue assistance. A second call out at 11pm saw a man and a woman lost in the Glencoe area without torches. Twelve mountain rescue volunteers located the pair, who were walked to a safe area to be airlifted from the hill. In both instances nobody was injured.
Inspector Nick Hough, based in Fort William, said: “The change of seasons as we move into the colder months with shorter daylight hours brings additional challenges to those going to enjoy the expanse of areas across the Highlands.
“We’d ask the public to be mindful of their own skills and experience, and always be prepared for all eventualities. It is crucial that you are prepared.
“Plan the route you are going to walk and consider whether it is safe and you have the ability to complete it safely; do not go beyond your ability. Scottish mountains by their very nature are extremely unpredictable and even the most experienced can be caught out so take precautions, plan ahead and be aware of, and have respect for, the Outdoor Access Code.
“If you do find yourself in need of assistance because of being lost, injured, or in an emergency when outdoors, then phone 999, ask for police then Mountain Rescue. You will be helped.”
