Easter return to hills put on hold

The Easter weekend is traditionally the time when people plan to get back into the Scottish hills and mountains after the winter.

But Mountaineering Scotland is asking people, no matter how keen, to put their plans on hold.

Stuart Younie, Chief Executive Officer of Mountaineering Scotland, said: “Many of our members have been walking and climbing throughout the winter, but for many this is normally their first return to the hills after a long lay-off, and is eagerly anticipated.”

However he urged everyone to show restraint and follow the advice from the Scottish Government.

That is, to stay at home, going outside only for essential food, health and work reasons.

The current guidance means we should avoid non-essential travel, however Mountaineering Scotland actively encourages members to continue taking daily exercise and to get outside for health reasons in their local area, in accordance with the updated advice below:

• Stay local – do not travel in your car to take exercise; please make use of the paths, open spaces and quiet roads in your own local area
• Maintain your distance – stay at least 2 metres away from other people and if possible, try to avoid busy times on popular paths or places
• Respect the health and safety of farmers and others working the land – follow all reasonable requests and signs to avoid particular areas, such as farmyards, fields with pregnant or young livestock, and other busy working areas
• Keep your dog under control – put them on a lead or keep them close at heel and do not let them approach other people or livestock
• Avoid contact – try to avoid touching surfaces and if possible, plan a route that does not require you to open gates

Mountaineering Scotland is actively engaged with Scottish Natural Heritage and other partners on the impact of the current heath crisis on access rights, and welcomes the commitment made to the development of further guidance in consultation with key stakeholders. The body is looking to ensure that when the restrictions are lifted people are able to safely get back to enjoying the freedoms – and responsibilities – associated with Scotland’s access legislation.

Stuart Younie added: “I’d like to thank all our members who have been acting responsibly and staying local in accordance with the current guidance. It has been encouraging to hear that for the second weekend running we have had no reported mountain rescue call outs and we hope this will continue until restrictions are lifted.

“We know it’s important during this period that people can continue to get outside for exercise and health reasons and the statement today from the Cabinet Secretary on access rights and responsibilities is a step in the right direction. We also welcome the commitment to developing further guidance in consultation with key stakeholders.”

Mountaineering Scotland's advice on COVID-19 and access can be found here.