A mammoth late-night rescue effort was launched at the weekend after a climber suffered a shoulder injury abseiling from one of Skye's mountain peaks. The "epic call-out" took place on the evening of Sunday, September 18, when the island's Mountain Rescue Team were alerted to a man having been hurt on Sgurr Dubh Beag, a 733-metre summit within the famous Cuillin Hills.
The mission, which spanned a whopping 16 hours and lasted until Monday morning, kicked off when 15 team members were transported via helicopter to the Dubh's ridge to assist the man and prevent him from further harm. After reaching and treating the casualty, a descent of more than seven hours to Coruisk ensued, which was a technical nightmare for crews.
They ran into great trouble finding their way back to base, and experienced "back-breaking" pain hauling the heavy stretcher down a notoriously difficult hillside. They also struggled with a serious drop in communications after midnight, causing alarm for workers who were locked in a heart-stopping bid to find their way down the popular peak in the pitch dark.
Photos taken at the scene, which were shared on social media, show tens of workers decked out in head torches, breathing apparatus and other bits of safety gear making their way down the dizzyingly steep ridge.
The images also show the wounded man being carted through the pouring rain, with only the light from the team's equipment illuminating the wild surroundings. It is unclear how severe the climber's injuries were, or if he required hospital treatment following the dramatic ordeal.
Neil Urquhart, Team Leader at Skye MRT, said: "A huge 16+ hour effort by the team involved, who were very grateful to those who remained at base, anticipating and organising the return transport and food.
"Thanks to Sligachan Hotel, Tigh Ailean and Carbost Old Inn who all provided quality supplies at short notice, and especially to Bella Jane Boat Trips who came out before dawn to pick us up from Coruisk.
"Best wishes to the casualty for a swift recovery to his shoulder injury. Not many people would have been so uncomplaining during the hours he spent bouncing around on our stretcher."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
