Mountain rescue volunteers in the Scottish Highlands faced an exceptionally demanding evening as they responded to three separate emergency call-outs within just two hours, all unfolding in treacherous weather conditions that severely hampered aerial assistance.
Dramatic Stretcher Carries Required
The first alert came through at 2pm on Sunday when a climbing party of three individuals – two men and one woman – suffered what has been described as a significant fall of approximately fifty metres within Coire nan Lochan. Remarkably, the deep snow present at the scene is believed to have cushioned their descent, potentially preventing more serious injuries. Team leader Andy Nelson reflected on their fortune, stating, 'The snow saved them from further injuries. It must have cushioned them. They were lucky.'
One climber sustained injuries requiring hospital treatment. However, the fierce weather conditions rendered the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter unable to land nearby or execute a winch recovery. Consequently, volunteers from the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team embarked on a lengthy and arduous stretcher carry, safely transporting the casualty to a roadside location where an ambulance could take over.
Back-to-Back Emergencies Strain Resources
As the team was deploying for that first rescue, a second emergency call was received. This involved a walker in Coire Gabhail who had sustained a leg injury severe enough to prevent them from bearing any weight. Once again, the Coastguard helicopter, identified as R85, was unable to intervene due to the persistent poor weather.
This necessitated a second complex stretcher evacuation. The operation was aided by a group of passing climbers who offered their assistance to the rescue volunteers. Mr Nelson confirmed this was another extensive two-hour carry to get the individual to safety and onward transport.
Team Stretched to Its Absolute Limit
With the majority of the rescue team already committed to these two lengthy carries, a third call for help arrived. This request concerned two walkers, a man and a woman, who required assistance on the Pap of Glencoe. Mr Nelson described the timing as 'pretty unfortunate'.
The team's resources were stretched so thin that only a single remaining available volunteer was left to respond. That team member successfully located the pair and guided them back to safety in the Glen. Reflecting on the intense sequence of events, Andy Nelson emphasised the scale of the effort, noting that more than twenty team members were involved and they were 'literally down to our last available person'.
A Stark Reminder of Glencoe's Dangers
This flurry of incidents serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks present in the Glencoe landscape, even for experienced outdoors enthusiasts. The area has witnessed tragic losses in recent years.
In 2024, a father and son, Tom Parry, 49, and Richie Parry, 12, died while hillwalking in the region during thundery conditions. A major search operation was mounted before their bodies were recovered.
The previous year, in August 2023, three hillwalkers lost their lives. Experienced mountain guide David Fowler, 39, along with his clients Graham Cox, 60, and Hazel Crombie, 64, were found deceased after falling while navigating a treacherous ridge. They were reportedly roped together at the time. Their bodies were discovered in the early hours following a late-night alarm being raised.
These past tragedies underscore the vital, life-saving work undertaken by volunteer mountain rescue teams like Glencoe's, who routinely operate in challenging and dangerous conditions to aid those in distress.
