People urged to avoid visiting Scotland's hills at this time of crisis

The hills and mountains of Scotland are beautiful. The lure of Scotland's upland areas for hillwalkers, climbers, snowsports enthusiasts and those that love the outdoors is very strong. So it is clear that the present constrictions in place due to the coronavirus pandemic is a disappointment to many. However, the reasons are clear and the adherence to the advice given by the Scottish government is demonstrated by the fact that this is the longest period in almost 20 years without a mountain rescue incident.

Since 21st March people have been discouraged from visiting the Scottish hills. Although the Scottish government has this week announced a phased approach to leaving the lockdown, which includes allowing for some outdoor pursuits, the message encourages people to stay local. This approach of a phased approach to easing restrictions has been welcomed by organisations involved in outdoor pursuits in Scotland. The message is to be patient and there will come a time when people can once again enjoy walking and climbing in the Scottish hills and mountains.

Safety is the paramount concern at this time. Not only for those walking the hills put also the safety of those involved in helping people who get into difficulties. Such as Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. As expressed by Team Leader Andy Nelson and reported in BBC Scotland. He said: "we know a spike in the numbers of people in the hills is coming, and we want to see that spike delayed for as long as possible." Earlier this month he had already posted on the organisations Facebook page that: the "bare minimum" number of team members would be sent to help seriously injured casualties, while "walking wounded" would be asked to get themselves to safety. This is both to protect team members of potentially getting coronavirus from a casualty, or possibly a member of the team giving it to them.

Scottish Mountain Rescue (SMR), representing 24 volunteer teams, have also made it clear that access to the hills continues to be constricted. Whilst rescue teams remained on stand-by for accidents, SMR pointed out that their responses would be slower and with fewer team members. So the message from the organisations both promoting healthy outdoor hill pursuits and those involved in rescue services is the same. Remain patient and adhere to the Scottish government's clear guidance which encourages people to stay local.