As the cold snap grips the nation, keen walkers taking to Scotland’s mountains and hillsides during spells of adverse weather are being urged to fully prepare for the conditions and know how to ask for assistance should they need it.
Killin Mountain Rescue Team (Killin MRT) are based in the Perthshire village and is made up entirely of generous volunteers who give up their time to keep people safe on the region’s slopes.
They are urging anyone heading for the hills during the period of cold, icy weather to be fully prepared for all eventualities and reduce their risk of needing rescued.
So far, 2024 has been a relatively quiet year for the team. They have responded to 29 separate callouts, and team members spent around 1050 hours deployed to incidents, not including the time taken to train, maintain life-saving equipment and all of the other associated tasks of keeping the team going.
Team member Will Diamond says that the majority of the team’s callouts so far this year have been for lower-leg injuries caused by falls and slips on tricky terrain.
“We are always cautious as winter approaches as we generally see more serious, and on occasions sadly, fatal injuries”, he said.
“Winter time in the Scottish mountains can be a demanding environment, even for our volunteers who are trained and used to spending time in all weathers.
“Very quickly, the cold will begin to take effect, slips are more frequent due to the ground conditions and the darker days will generally cause more callouts for walkers who have become lost or disorientated.”
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Will stressed the importance of being fully prepares for the weather and terrain, no matter where you are heading.
He added: “When asked to provide advice on how to best enjoy a winter day in the hills, our biggest tip would be to prepare, check, then check again!
“Preparation for a day on the hills in winter conditions cannot be underestimated. Look ahead for weather forecasts, but remember your standard weather report will not take into account the weather at over 3000-feet on the summits of our local Munros.
“There are good sources of information such as the Mountain Weather Information Service that will break the likely conditions into geographical areas of Scotland.
“And a further tip for preparation would be to check the avalanche forecast if there is any snow cover on the hills.”
Being prepared with the correct clothing and equipment can be the difference between completing your walk safely or having to ring 999 for mountain rescue assistance.
Will continued: “The kit you need to carry in winter is significantly more than what is needed for a standard summer stroll. Think about a map of the area, a compass and the knowledge to use them both. Don’t rely on electronic devices where possible as the battery life will likely fail quickly in colder temperatures.
“Pack warm clothing and think layers. Despite the cold weather, you will heat up fairly quickly so it is easier to take off a layer, that you can then put back on if you get cold, or should an incident occur and you find yourself immobile.
“A good set of hat and gloves is also worthwhile along with not only one, but two head torches. If one fails, then instead of trying to fit batteries in the dark in a blizzard, you can use the second one.
“When deploying on the hill, as members of mountain rescue, we would also carry first aid equipment and a group shelter as basic equipment. If you have the capability to carry them, they are always worth having, particularly if you can share them out as part of a group.
“Always take plenty of food and drinks and more than you think you need should the worst happen. Complex carbohydrates such as nuts are a good idea, but if you were to check any of our bags, you’ll quickly find the bag of jelly babies on the tops of our packs! Very good for a wee energy and morale boost if needed!
“A good set of waterproofs will generally be needed year-round on the hill, and the minute there is ice or snow cover, we would recommend carrying an ice axe, crampons and a helmet. As a rescue team, we would also be carrying snow shovels, snow probes and avalanche transceivers, but the majority of walkers generally don’t.”
Will says that it is pivotal to plan out your route days in advance and even suggests selecting a back-up route. “You might encounter a snow loaded gully, a cornice or a river in spate so having another option is a good idea”, he added.
“Don’t feel you have to reach the top either. Quite often if the weather closes in, it’s a better option to retreat and try again another day. The hills will always be there, but pushing yourself into an uncomfortable situation may prove costly.”
Reflecting on another year of keeping walkers safe on our mountainsides, Will added: “As the year end approaches, as always, we want to express our gratitude and thank the families and employers of our members, who without their understanding and assistance, would make our roles incredibly difficult.
“Regularly when a call-out comes in, people will need to leave their work, make arrangements for childcare otherwise we would struggle to respond to an incident.
“The generosity of the local community is also not wasted on us. Despite the current financial climate, there are a number of local businesses who will provide hot food and drinks to our members and we cannot express how much that is appreciated after a long slog on the hill.
“The generosity of the public also cannot be underestimated. We currently have a number of projects ongoing within the team, which we couldn’t have contemplated taking on as a charity, had it not been for the vital donations we have received.
“Currently we are awaiting a new team vehicle arriving, which is currently undergoing specialist conversion to allow us another 4×4 capable vehicle, meaning we can operate in a multitude of road and weather conditions.
“Each team member will also be soon be provided with a new helmet and avalanche transceiver ahead of winter thanks to donations received.
“As a team, we are all deeply grateful for every ounce of support we receive, regardless of how that is provided.
“Enjoy spending time in the hills as we do, and just remember to plan and prepare, particularly ahead of winter.”