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Rise in mountain rescue numbers Rise in mountain rescue numbers
(5 days later)
Figures released for the first time by the Scottish Mountain Rescue Committee show there were 20 deaths on Scotland's mountains last year and 491 rescues.Figures released for the first time by the Scottish Mountain Rescue Committee show there were 20 deaths on Scotland's mountains last year and 491 rescues.
Although the number of fatalities has fallen since 2006 levels, the number of rescues overall is rising.Although the number of fatalities has fallen since 2006 levels, the number of rescues overall is rising.
The figures were published as more than 300 members of the UK's Mountain Rescue Service gathered in Stirling to mark the organisation's 75th anniversary.The figures were published as more than 300 members of the UK's Mountain Rescue Service gathered in Stirling to mark the organisation's 75th anniversary.
The Scottish Government said £300,000 would be spent on Scotland's 28 teams.The Scottish Government said £300,000 would be spent on Scotland's 28 teams.
According to the figures for 2007, there were 312 separate incidents, with 139 people injured while hill walking.According to the figures for 2007, there were 312 separate incidents, with 139 people injured while hill walking.
The main cause of rescues were falls or tumbles at 21%, with those becoming lost totalling 15%.The main cause of rescues were falls or tumbles at 21%, with those becoming lost totalling 15%.
The number of rescues sparked by hill-walkers that were overdue totalled 14% of all rescues.The number of rescues sparked by hill-walkers that were overdue totalled 14% of all rescues.
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Mountain rescue team member on how to stay safe in the hillsMountain rescue team member on how to stay safe in the hills
Search and Rescue helicopters assisted in 38% of incidents, with Search and Rescue Dogs assisting in 27% of incidents.Search and Rescue helicopters assisted in 38% of incidents, with Search and Rescue Dogs assisting in 27% of incidents.
The survey also found that 54% of rescues were initiated by mobile phones.The survey also found that 54% of rescues were initiated by mobile phones.
Fergus Ewing, the minister for community safety and former member of Loch Lomond Mountain Rescue team, is set to address members of the rescue service this weekend.Fergus Ewing, the minister for community safety and former member of Loch Lomond Mountain Rescue team, is set to address members of the rescue service this weekend.
He said: "As a former member of the mountain rescue service, I am well aware of the vital role Scotland's mountain rescue teams play in aiding those who end up in difficulty.He said: "As a former member of the mountain rescue service, I am well aware of the vital role Scotland's mountain rescue teams play in aiding those who end up in difficulty.
"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting these dedicated, highly professional teams of volunteers and that is why we are giving them £300,000 to ensure that there is a continuing, effective resource for all those who use our hills and mountains.""The Scottish Government is committed to supporting these dedicated, highly professional teams of volunteers and that is why we are giving them £300,000 to ensure that there is a continuing, effective resource for all those who use our hills and mountains."
'Better equipped''Better equipped'
Alfie Ingram, chair of the Scottish Mountain Rescue Committee, said that despite the rise in incidents, people were generally better prepared for an unpredictable climate.Alfie Ingram, chair of the Scottish Mountain Rescue Committee, said that despite the rise in incidents, people were generally better prepared for an unpredictable climate.
He said: "Although the total number of stats is going up relative to the number of hours that people spend on the hills, people are actually safer.He said: "Although the total number of stats is going up relative to the number of hours that people spend on the hills, people are actually safer.
"Sixty percent of our call-outs are basically hill-walkers that have gone astray or have low level injuries, where it's the end of the day and they've gotten tired."Sixty percent of our call-outs are basically hill-walkers that have gone astray or have low level injuries, where it's the end of the day and they've gotten tired.
"It's always disappointing when you get somebody that's really badly equipped. But the trend is that people are actually much better equipped."It's always disappointing when you get somebody that's really badly equipped. But the trend is that people are actually much better equipped.
"The important thing is though, is that if you've got all this gear, have you read the instructions?""The important thing is though, is that if you've got all this gear, have you read the instructions?"
More than 300 members of the UK's mountain rescue team are expected to attend the conference at the University of Stirling, which concludes on Sunday 7 September.More than 300 members of the UK's mountain rescue team are expected to attend the conference at the University of Stirling, which concludes on Sunday 7 September.