- Mountain rescue callouts across the UK are rising significantly, driven by a post-pandemic increase in people taking up hill walking and mountain climbing.
- The Assynt Mountain Rescue Team's 40 volunteers collectively contribute around 8,500 hours annually to assist hikers across the Scottish Highlands.
- Incidents involving 18 to 24-year-olds have more than doubled since 2019, partly due to social media posts showcasing popular mountain locations.
- Volunteers undergo extensive training and balance demanding callouts with their personal and professional lives, frequently making personal sacrifices.
- Mountain safety experts stress the importance of thorough preparation and advise anyone in difficulty to dial 999 and ask for the police and mountain rescue.
IN FULL
The volunteers risking their lives to rescue stranded hikers in the Scottish Highlands
