Mountain deaths rise with interest in winter sports

Ten people died on Scotland’s hills and mountains during the first three months of this year after picturesque snowy conditions led to a surge in interest in winter adventure activities, official figures have revealed.

The winter death toll for 2018, defined as fatalities occurring between 1 January and 31 March, is the highest recorded by Scottish Mountain Rescue for at least six years.

Last year saw only a single death on Scotland’s hills and mountains, while there were six in 2016, five in 2015, seven in 2014 and eight in 2013.

INVERNESS