The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Glenshee adventure
“Regarding the item about Glenshee,” says Ruth Gordon of Tayport, “we set off there early on a Sunday morning with our neighbours and their two sons. It was a beautiful day and we arrived in the car park and prepared for the day.
“Some time later the weather worsened and we went back to the car. I had lots of provisions as our son, Stuart, had cystic fibrosis and I was in the habit of always having too much food, drink and warm clothes wherever we went.
“It became clear that we were not going to move any time soon and personnel from mountain rescue came round knocking on windows of all the cars asking if everybody was alright.
“We mentioned that Stuart had cystic fibrosis. They suggested we move to the café building so we made our way there.
“A helicopter had been called in to evacuate those with medical conditions so it was decided I would go with Stuart. Eventually the helicopter landed and we started our journey to the helipad at Ninewells Hospital.
“However, near Blairgowrie, the helicopter plunged what seemed like several hundred feet, then landed in a snow-covered field – something to do with the engines freezing. The farmer seemed less than pleased that it was in his field!
“Another helicopter was called and we were transferred the remainder of the way to Dundee. Stuart was checked over and told he could go home. Stuart wrote to the Station Commander at RAF Leuchars thanking the RAF for rescuing him. As a result we got a call from the Station Commander, Tim Elworthy, asking if he would like to go on Concorde to London after it landed with golfers for The Open at St Andrews.
“I went with him. We had a lovely day in London and travelled home by train the next evening.
“Memories of adventures that came about because Stuart has cystic fibrosis. Sadly he died in December 1996, but it is memories such as these that make us smile when we think of our lovely boy and his enthusiasm for life.”