Scottish Government
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Safety on the hills
As winter begins to take hold across Scotland the nation's climbers and hillwalkers are being urged to take care.
Minister for Public Health and Sport Shona Robison today delivered the annual Winter Safety Message aimed at making sure people planning a trip into Scotland's mountains and countryside are well prepared before they set out.
Anyone heading out into the hills this season is being advised to:
- Check the weather forecast before you set off and remember that conditions can change quickly. Localised forecasts are available on the Mountain Weather Information Service and the sportscotland Avalanche Information Service
- Make sure you know your limits and don't tackle anything that is too ambitious. Winter in the mountains can be challenging and a route that at any other time of the year is easy, can take longer and be more physically demanding
- Whether going for a relaxing walk or for a challenging climb, be properly equipped and ready to cope with changing ground and weather conditions
- Consider joining a hillwalking or mountaineering club where advice and access to experience and knowledge is available
- Take a map and compass and know how to use them. Do not rely solely on technology such as GPS or an electronic compass
- Winter conditions can be serious so carry an ice axe and crampons, know how to use them and practice on less serious terrain
- Tell someone where you are going, what your route is and how long you expect to be on the hill
Ms Robison said:
"Scotland offers some of the world's most beautiful hills and mountains and I want people to be able to enjoy all of the spectacular scenery this country has to offer.
"However our countryside can present many hazards to climbers and hillwalkers, particularly those who are not suitably prepared.
"It's a sad fact that every year climbers lose their lives and it's extremely important that those wanting to enjoy the outdoors take the time to plan ahead, check the weather and have the correct safety equipment before heading for the hills."
The Minister made the announcement during a trip to the Cairngorm Mountains where she met with the Mountaineering Council of Scotland's Winter Safety Officer Heather Morning and her search and rescue dog Milly.
The sportscotland Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) gives winter hill-goers, daily forecasts at five key locations in Scotland. The service, which runs from December to April, receives £121,700 of Scottish Government funding through sportscotland. SAIS also operates a text service allowing subscribers to receive daily text alerts of forecast avalanche hazards in their chosen area.
The Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) produces forecasts for eight UK mountain areas. The MWIS receives £42,300 annual government funding through sportscotland, and covers Scotland's five main upland areas. MWIS forecasts are also available on internet enabled mobile phones.
