Five people camping at the Glenrosa campsite on the Isle of Arran had to be winched to safety by a helicopter early this morning after a river broke its banks. Heavy rain in southern Scotland meant that the campers became cut off on a mini island created by the river in spate.
The Royal Navy Helicopter was scrambled at approximately 8 o’clock this morning and the campers were airlifted to a local community centre. The rest of the campsite was evacuated and at one point during the rescue operation the campsite owner waded into the swollen water to try to reach the campers but had to turn back.
A Royal Navy spokesman said: “This was a close-run event. The water levels were rising rapidly and there was simply no other way they were going to escape.” Other agencies were also involved in the operation, including the local rescue team, the coastguard, police and ambulance service. None of those rescued are thought to have suffered any serious health effects.