Plea to hill walkers and mountaineers in Scotland to be prepared for extremes
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Police are reminding people heading for the Scottish hills this winter to be fully prepared for extreme conditions.
Working alongside Scottish Mountain Rescue, which represents 25 mountain rescue teams across the country, the force said people need to make sure they have sufficient equipment and supplies for all eventualities.
Police Scotland says that between February 27, 2022, and March 8, 2022, seven people lost their lives in a number of serious incidents the mountains.
Rescue teams don't just assist police with mountain-top rescues, but with many other outdoor incidents. Between January 2022 and December 14, 2022, they were involved in incidents where 33 people lost their lives.
Throughout the winter season, Police Scotland will be working in partnership with Scottish Mountain Rescue, Glenmore Lodge and Mountaineering Scotland to promote the 2022/2023 #ThinkWINTER campaign which provides simple and vital information to help keep people safe.
Inspector Matt Smith, lead officer for mountain rescue, said: “The end of last winter was particularly challenging with volunteer mountain rescue teams seeing a huge rise in incidents responding to people in difficulty. From January to March 2022, there was a 31 per cent rise compared with the average over the same three-month period in the previous three years.
“Winter conditions significantly increase the risk in the hills and mountains. Extremes of weather, snow and ice as well as a lack of daylight mean that the consequences of a slip or fall are more significant than during the summer months.
“Anyone going into the hills should plan ahead, check activity-specific weather forecasts and keep within their own capabilities. Always carry sufficient clothing, equipment and food to manage if conditions become harsh or should you find yourself needing help.
“Make sure someone knows your route plan for the day and if you do find yourself lost, injured or otherwise needing urgent assistance, call 999. Ask first for the police and then ask for mountain rescue.”
