Slioch. Photo: Silvain de Munck

Slioch. Photo: Silvain de Munck

A man faces prosecution after a false alarm on a Highland mountain.

Rescuers were alerted after a member of the public spotted the message ‘help’ in snow on Slioch, in Torridon. Torridon Mountain Rescue Team was alerted, along with the Coastguard helicopter from Stornoway.

But after the rescue team talked to a group of climbers on the 981m (3,219ft) mountain, it became apparent they were all well and the helicopter returned to its base.

The incident happened about 3.15pm on Monday. A spokesperson for the Northern Constabulary said: “Police received a call from a member of the public expressing concern for parties near the summit of Slioch, by Kinlochewe.

“Police, mountain rescue and Coastguard helicopter were deployed and, after tracing and speaking to those present on the hill, it was ascertained no-one was hurt or requiring assistance.

“As a result of further police enquiry a 46-year old-male is to be reported to the procurator fiscal.”

  • The Coastguard was in action last night after a climber became cragfast on a sea stack in Wales.

Holyhead Coastguard received a 999 call at 7.20pm yesterday, Tuesday, to say a climber was stuck on the North Stacks at Holyhead. His climbing partner had managed to get to the top of the climb, in darkness, to raise the alarm.

The man, a 22-year-old student at Bangor University, was airlifted from the cliff by a helicopter from RAF Valley. He was unharmed but very cold.

Three Coastguard cliff rescue teams, Holyhead RNLI inshore and all weather lifeboats which provided illumination of the cliff from the water were all involved in the operation.

Holyhead Coastguard Watch Officer Mike Oates said: “The North Stacks sea cliffs are a popular climbing spot at any time of the year.

“To climb safely always climb with the correct equipment and wear clothing suitable for the conditions. Include a head torch in case your climb goes on into the hours of darkness.”