The Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland has released figures showing that the number of rescues is rising but the number of fatalities on the hills has fallen since 2006. In 2007 there were 20 deaths on Scotland’s mountains and 491 rescues. Just over half of all Scottish rescues were initiated by mobile phone calls.
The figures were published as more than 300 members of the UK’s Mountain Rescue Service gathered in Stirling to mark the organisation’s 75th anniversary. The Scottish Government said £300,000 would be spent on Scotland’s 28 teams.
The figures show that 139 people were injured while hill walking with falls causing 21% of rescues and people being lost accounting for 15%. Overdue walkers made up 14% of incidents. The teams have also seen the number of callouts to non-walkers, self harm/suicide risks, and charity event participants rise.
Search and Rescue helicopters assisted in 38% of incidents, with Search and Rescue Dogs involved in 27% of incidents.
Fergus Ewing, the minister for community safety and former member of Loch Lomond Mountain Rescue team, will address the meeting at the University of Stirling this weekend. Speaking to the BBC Mr Ewing said, “I am well aware of the vital role Scotland’s mountain rescue teams play in aiding those who end up in difficulty.
The Scottish Government is committed to supporting these dedicated, highly professional teams of volunteers and that is why we are giving them £300,000 to ensure that there is a continuing, effective resource for all those who use our hills and mountains.”