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Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team breaks annual call-out record with over 200 incidents
Overview
Scotland's busiest mountain rescue team, Lochaber MRT, has surpassed 200 call-outs for the year following four weekend incidents. The Fort William-based team attributes the year-on-year rise to an increase in people accessing the hills, social media promotion of adventurous routes, and individuals being poorly equipped or ill-prepared for difficult conditions. Officials advise hillwalkers to plan ahead, check weather forecasts, and carry appropriate clothing, equipment, and torches.
Key points
- Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team exceeded 200 call-outs for the year following four weekend incidents.
- Recent rescues included a missing person, an injured mountain biker, and hillwalkers struggling to navigate Ben Nevis in the dark.
- The team attended 160 call-outs in total during the previous year.
- Officials noted that more people are heading into the hills, often poorly equipped or ill-prepared, while social media is encouraging more adventurous route choices.
- Walkers are advised to make a good plan, check weather forecasts, wear suitable clothing, and pack torches and group shelters.
- Other Scottish teams, such as Skye Mountain Rescue Team, have also reported rising numbers of call-outs due to challenging local weather conditions.