‘Difficult conditions’ on hills

MOUNTAIN experts have issued warnings to hill walkers following a number of deaths and extensive searches in the Highlands

The body of Japanese tourist, Kamai Yusuke, 29, was discovered on Skye last week after he failed to return from a walk in the Trotternish ridge on August 11.

French hillwalker, Thierry Coffie, failed to return from his trip to the Cuillin mountain range last Wednesday. He was found alive but injured in a co- ordinated rescue by the Skye and RAF mountain rescue teams, rescue dogs and police.

Mr Coffie was transported to Raigmore hospital in Inverness for treatment and his condition was described as stable.

Mountaineering Council of Scotland chief officer, David Gibson said ‘exceptional amounts of snow’ and a wet summer have created difficult conditions.

Mr Gibson added: ‘Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved in recent incidents.

‘ We’re in the midst of one of the wettest summers on record so hikers must be prepared for poor conditions. Paths and ground may be eroded or slippery, and burns may be higher than normal and difficult or even impossible to cross safely.

‘Many accidents resulting in serious injuries are caused by a simple trip or slip.

‘Slopes with wet grass or snow constitute a hazard.’