Social media protest saves UK’s highest phone box

THE highest phone box in the UK has been saved from the scrapheap after a public campaign.

The traditional red phone box at the skiing base station on Cairn Gorm sits at 2,150ft in an area busy all year round with visitors.

The 4,084ft mountain regularly experiences some of the highest wind speeds and lowest temperatures in the UK.

Mobile phone reception can be extremely poor, and hillwalkers claimed the presence of the phone box could make the difference between life and death.

The discovery that BT planned to scrap the box prompted a social media backlash from walkers and rangers, and BT has now reversed its decision.

Bill Lobban, vice-convener of Highland Council, praised the decision. He said: ‘This is a very sensible decision by BT and follows pressure from the local community.

‘The box has been extensively used in the past and is essential for emergency use.’

Mr Lobban added that for climbers and walkers unable to get a mobile phone signal, ‘it’s important that they have another option.’