POLICE are urging members of the public to be properly prepared before venturing out on the hills after a spate of rescues around Loch Lomond and the surrounding area.
An 18-year-old man from the Glasgow area fell and sustained an ankle injury near the summit of Ben A'an on Thursday, July 9, with police and the Killin mountain rescue team called out to help before the man was airlifted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
And the following day, police joined the Lomond mountain rescue team in going to the aid of a 25-year-old man from the Edinburgh who fell and injured an ankle while descending Ben Lomond.
He, too, was airlifted off the hillside and taken to the QEUH for treatment.
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Other incidents over the weekend saw a 30-year-old man taken by helimed to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock after collapsing on Ben Ledi, near Callander, on Thursday and a 56-year-old man who fell in the Ledard Glen area taken by road ambulance to Glasgow after falling in the Ledard Glen area following a descent of Ben Venue.
Police Scotland's local area commander, Gill Campbell, said: “We fully understand the public’s desire to get outdoors again, but it is essential that hill-walkers and those venturing out into the hills take the appropriate steps to keep themselves, and others with them safe.
"Suitable footwear, weather appropriate clothing and plenty of water are essential, while you should always carry your mobile phone with you in the event of an emergency.
"Please also tell people where you are going and when you intend to be back, so that they can raise the alarm if you fail to return.
“Over the past few days we have been incredibly grateful for the vital assistance and support of our mountain rescue teams.
These individuals bring with them extensive levels of experience and a range of resources that aid in the recovery of people injured or stranded on hillsides.
“I would encourage anyone who is intending to explore our local beauty spots, or try some hillwalking to follow the guidance available on the Scottish Mountain Rescue website and social media channels.
“The public visiting other popular visitor attractions are also once again reminded to take cognisance of the existing guidance and regulations and make sure their visits to these locations do not result in damage, littering or other offences."
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