A Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team vehicle in action in the snow
Mountain rescuers warned walkers heading for the hills to go well equipped for their outings while winter conditions blanket the UK.
The plea to go prepared came from the Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team after a young couple got into difficulties in the Pentland Hills south of Edinburgh.
The team was alerted at 5pm on Saturday by Lothian and Borders Police after the pair rang 999 to say they were lost and exhausted in waist-deep snow on Caerketton Hill.
The pair had started out from the Hillend Ski Centre earlier in the day. Rescue team members living close to the site of the incident went to the area and others from farther afield joined them with additional equipment.
The pair were guided down from the hill by mobile phone to the Edinburgh bypass 2km (1¼miles) to the north, where they were met by one of the team’s Land Rovers. The couple were described as cold and tired but otherwise well.
The rescue operation involved 21 team members and a Search and Rescue Dogs Association animal and handler.
The previous day, 23 Tweed Valley team members and a Sarda dog were involved in a search for four people in the Rubers Law area, east of Hawick, after being alerted about 9pm.
Two men, aged 22 and 24, disappeared while out walking. Equipment belonging to them was found and initial information suggested the two had headed on to the hill. Two relatives who had gone looking for the men were also reported missing.
All four were reported to have returned safe and well back at home as the rescue team began its search.
Team leader Steve Penny said: “While it’s quite rare for the team to receive two callouts in one weekend, it’s not surprising both the incidents TVMRT attended were regarding members of the public taking part in activities related to the snow lying on the hills.
“While the snow brings an added incentive for people to head to the hills, it is important to remember that walking in deep snow is much more time consuming and uses a lot more energy than a summer hill walk.
“In these conditions sub-zero temperatures are not uncommon; couple that with short daylight hours and it’s easy for people venturing onto the hills to get caught out.
“I think it’s the right time to remind those heading for the hills to make sure that they are properly equipped for the conditions with warm clothes, torches, food and drink. It’s also essential to take a map and compass and have the knowledge to use these items.”
Tweed Valley team members have also been mobilised 14 times in the past week using their 4×4 vehicles to help the Scottish Ambulance Service and the Borders Council.
