Be safe and leave word of your journey

A series of recent mountain rescue incidents together with severe weather warnings still in place have sparked Police Scotland, Mountaineering Scotland and the UK Coastguard to issue a reminder for people to be prepared and ‘think safety first’ if venturing into the Scottish mountains. 

The plea comes after a spate of mountain rescues from the combined forces of the Scottish Mountain Rescue Teams and the UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopters. Walkers, snow sports enthusiasts, climbers and mountaineers are being asked not to put themselves in any unnecessary danger. They are encouraged to stay safe this winter and to also tell a friend or family of their intentions in case they should later require the services of mountain rescue experts and the UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter service.

Superintendent Colin Gough said: “At this time of year, people rightly come to the Scottish Mountains in search of the excellent winter sports and mountaineering challenges available. However, our mountains should not be underestimated as they can be unforgiving for even the most experienced. Severe weather conditions forecast in the coming days could change your environment within minutes and navigation could become difficult. White-out snow conditions could also make paths and tracks dangerously impassable.

“We do not want to put anybody off these great outdoor experiences. We are all, however, increasingly challenged by searches for people who have left minimal or no information regarding their intentions. We know that not everyone will want to leave a written route card, but we are asking the hill-going public, and even those on lower level rambles, to make sure that somebody knows where they are going, so that we have a better idea where to look for them if they are overdue.”

Heather Morning, Mountain Safety Adviser with Mountaineering Scotland, said: “Mountaineering Scotland campaigns to ensure all those who enjoy Scottish mountains in winter are responsible, informed and self-reliant. As such we endorse the Police Scotland message about leaving word of where you are going; detailed advice can be found on the Mountaineering Scotland website

“Leaving route details is vital if valuable resources are not to be wasted in fruitless searches putting others at risk as well as those who have sought help. We’re advising people to plan ahead, especially regarding their route; to be aware of the weather and avalanche hazard; to carry the right equipment and know how to use it; and, if unsure, find a winter mountaineering course to update those essential skills.”

Damien Oliver, Assistant Director for Aviation for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said: “In the last few weeks there have been a number of helicopter rescues carried out in the Scottish mountains in response to people who have become injured, lost and at risk of exposure. 

“The UK Coastguard helicopters are equipped to fly in the most hostile of conditions in support of the invaluable work of Scotland’s volunteer mountain rescue experts. So it’s vital that we get the message out to everyone who's planning to go into the mountains to please check the weather conditions for your area before you go and make sure you’re well equipped. Tell someone your planned route and what time you will be expected back. If you do get into trouble call 999 immediately and ask for the Police.”

Kev Mitchell, vice Chair of Scottish Mountain Rescue commented: “In addition to the excellent resources on the Mountaineering Scotland website there is an excellent ‘Stay Safe and enjoy the Mountains' leaflet available on our website - why not put a copy in your rucksack.”

Mountaineering Scotland safety advice can be accessed on the website here.