Mountain emergencies up by a fifth

Mountain rescues have risen by 20% in northern Scotland this year as increasing numbers of people head outdoors for exercise.

Police Scotland said callouts across the Highlands, north- east and Tayside have increased by a fifth in 2020 in comparison to any other year.

Rescuers have encountered people without basic survival gear and warned people to take precautions as Scotland’s mountains are “extremely unpredictable”.

The force is now urging hillwalkers and climbers to plan their excursions and be prepared for all eventualities when they go on a walk or climb.

Sergeant Peter LorrainSmith, Police Scotland’s mountain rescue coordinator, said: “The north of Scotland is lucky to have some of the most beautiful hills and mountains in the country, and over the past few months we have experienced a significant increase in the number of people heading outdoors to enjoy themselves.

“By all means I do not want to put anyone off appreciating our great outdoors, however, I must highlight just how crucial it is that you are prepared.

“Plan the route you are going to walk and consider whether it is safe to climb and if you have the ability to complete it safely.”

He added: “Also, take sensible precautions and ensure you have suitable equipment, clothing and supplies.

“Unfortunately, we continue to come across examples of people not being prepared for the walks or climbs they have embarked on, including people without maps, torches or basic survival gear, nor the skills and knowledge to use them.

“Many people have told us this is the first time they have ever hillwalked or climbed and didn’ t appreciate just how quickly conditions can turn.”

Police said that in Tayside the mountain rescue team has deployed on 64 occasions since January, in the north-east teams have deployed nearly 50 times and in the Highlands they have been called out to more than 210 incidents.

Mr Lorrain-Smith said: “Our message remains simple – come to the hills and mountains and enjoy them but be prepared for all eventualities and don’t go beyond your ability – preparation is the price of admission.

“Scottish mountains are by their very nature extremely unpredictable. It is important that people take as many precautions as possible and plan ahead.”

The lure of Scotland’s great outdoors has never been greater than during the long months of coronavirus lockdown. It is understandable that individuals cooped up in their homes for weeks on end as a result of the Covid restrictions want to get fresh air into their lungs.

And where better than Scotland’s great mountain ranges, where social distancing is a given and the vistas offer food for the soul.

But venturing into the hills in the hope of rejuvenation is not without its dangers.

Police Scotland and the country’s incredible volunteer mountain rescue teams have seen a spike in walkers being caught out on Covid constitutionals this year.

Inexperience, poor quality kit, a lack of awareness of the terrain and a failure to inform others of the plans for the day ahead are all familiar issues to the mountain rescue crews.

Couple that with Scotland’s everchanging weather and you have the potential for disaster.

Accidents do happen on the hills, even to the most experienced of walkers. But with emergency callouts tracking at 20% ahead this year on normal, the system is now straining to cope.

Walkers are justifiably keen to get outdoors whenever they can right now.

But they have a responsibility to themselves and others to do so safely by being sensible and adhering to the age-old mountain codes.

CALL-OUT: Tayside mountain rescue team at Corrie Fee.