A HILLWALKER has been rescued in Loch Lomond after they fell ill due to a suspected bite from a venomous snake.
Lomond Mountain Rescue Team was called out on Monday at around 4.11pm following a report of a walker who had a suspected adder bite at the Whangie in the Kilpatrick Hills.
The Scottish Ambulance Service was also called to the scene after the person reported they felt unwell following the suspected snake bite.
Adders are the only native and venomous snakes in Scotland and can be identified due to their stocky build, their grey or reddish brown colouring and distinct dark zig-zag pattern along their backs.
The condition of the hillwalker is currently unknown.
In a statement, the Lomond Mountain Rescue Team said: “The team were called to assist a walker who had a suspected adder bite at the Whangie and was feeling unwell.
“Team members assisted colleagues from the Scottish Ambulance Service to evacuate the casualty to a waiting ambulance.”
According to the Scottish Wildlife Trust adders hibernate from October, and emerge on the first warm days of March, which is the easiest time of year to find them basking on a log or under a warm rock.
Rescuers were also called to a second incident less than hour later on Monday involving another person who had fallen in Campsie Glen.
Some members from the rescue team were diverted from the callout at the Whangie to assist a multi-agency response involving the Scottish Fire and Rescue, Scottish Ambulance Service and the Coastguard.
Rescuers eventually stood down at 6.29pm.
A statement from the Lomond Mountain Rescue Team added: “A second callout was received at 17:03, for a member of the public who had fallen in Campsie Glen.
“Team members en route to the Whangie were diverted to assist with a multi agency response involving Scottish Fire and Rescue, Scottish Ambulance Service and the Coastguard.”
