Climbers and walkers won't risk fines if they stick to coronavirus rules; Mountaineering Scotland comments after duo charged following weekend call-out
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Hill walkers and climbers have been reassured that they should not be penalised if they have to call on the services of a mountain rescue team.
News that two people had been charged with culpable and reckless conduct following a rescue call-out near Crianlairich at the weekend had been causing concern in the outdoor community.
Forth Valley police confirmed that a 27-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were reported to the procurator fiscal after travelling more than 60 miles from Glasgow to climb Beinn a' Chroin.
The pair got into difficulty and Killin Mountain Rescue Team assisted police with their rescue on Saturday. Forth Valley police said the duo were ill-equipped for the climb and put officers and rescue volunteers at risk.
Mountaineering Scotland, working with Scottish Mountain Rescue and Police Scotland, have now said that climbers and walkers who stick to the phase one lockdown guidelines will not be at risk of a fine.
Stuart Younie, chief executive of Mountaineering Scotland, said: “Walkers and climbers who follow the guidance on travel and stay local should have no concerns. We want to encourage everyone who is able to access the hills to make sure they stay safe and are well prepared before they go.”
Phase one rules say that people should stay local, broadly within five miles of home – meaning people local to the hills can now venture out. Mountaineering Scotland published detailed guidance on the rules for walkers and climbers last week.
Damon Powell, chairman of Scottish Mountain Rescue, said: “Mountain rescue teams are here to help. If people get into difficulties in the hills they should be clear that rescue assistance is provided without cost and without judgment.”
Chief Inspector Gill Marshall, of Forth Valley Police, said: “I would like to reassure outdoor enthusiasts that when the guidance allows the resumption of their pursuits, Police Scotland and our colleagues in Mountain Rescue teams across the area will be committed to providing support and assistance to those in difficulty, as we always have done.
“In the current climate we must all work together to minimise the risks faced, and we will continue to engage and encourage compliance, with enforcement as a last resort."
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