'Stay safe on the hills' urges Police Scotland campaign

A NEW campaign is urging people to plan ahead and prepare ahead before venturing out into the hills this winter.

The appeal is being run by Police Scotland, in partnership with Scottish Mountain Rescue, is also encouraging people to make sure they have sufficient equipment and supplies for all eventualities.

This follows a number of serious incidents. In a short period, between 27 February, 2022, and 8 March, 2022, seven people lost their lives.

Mountain rescue teams do not just assist with incidents on the top of hills, but in all outdoor areas and from January 2022 to December 14, 2022, they were involved in incidents where 33 people lost their lives.

Already there is deep snow across many areas and temperatures are widely into negative double figures. On the weekend of Friday, December 9, 2022, to Sunday, December 11, mountain rescue teams were called out four times to assist people in difficulty or injured.

Throughout the winter season Police Scotland will be working in partnership with Scottish Mountain Rescue, Glenmore Lodge and Mountaineering Scotland to promote the 2022-23 #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.”

More information Scottish Mountain rescue can be found at www.scottishmountainrescue.org