Recent heavy snowfalls across the Scottish mountains has resulted in a raised risk of avalanche. The SportScotland Avalanche Information Service has resumed daily forecasts and walkers in all mountain areas are being advised to check the forecast before planning their route.
After a week of warm weather, with particularly hot temperatures in the Cairngorms, the return of winter conditions caused a party of nine Belgium walkers to be airlifted from the slopes of Ben MacDui yesterday (Tues 3 April). The group, which was equipped for an overnight camping trip, were caught out by heavy snow, very strong winds and extreme wind chill. Braemar Mountain Rescue Team assisted in the rescue and the group, which included six teenagers, were helicoptered to Braemar by a Royal Navy Sea King. A spokesman for the Mountain Rescue Team said that hillwalkers should be aware of how quickly conditions can change and be fully equipped for winter conditions at this time of year.