MOUNTAIN RESCUE INCIDENT - CREAH NAN DAMH - KINTAIL

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:1:12 GMT

About 1950 hours on Saturday, 26 September, 2009, Northern Constabulary were contacted by a motorist - Ms Valerie Gilmartin from Kyle - who reported having seen a flashing, white light on the hillside adjacent to the A87, near to Glenshiel Battle Ground.

Police Officers responded and also saw this light on the hill known as Creag Nan Damh.  The Officers signalled with a torch and using an SOS signal, received confirmation of the presence of a person in difficulties on the hill.

Assistance was summoned and members of the Kintail Mountain Rescue Team were called out.  RAF Kinloss provided the services of their Rescue Helicopter R137 which arrived on scene about 2220 hours. 

About 2320 hours a male person was airlifted from the hillside by the helicopter.  This man - a 33 year old teacher from Dumbarton - had been walking alone and fallen an unknown, but considerable distance, sustaining head and leg injuries.  He was conveyed by the helicopter to the Belford Hospital, Fort William.  He has since been transferred to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, for further, specialist treatment to his injuries.  His condition is not life-threatening.

However, as stated by local Inspector Duncan MacLean, " There is no doubt that had it not been for the vigilance and prompt action of Ms Gilmartin in alerting the emergency services, it would have been some time before anybody was alerted to this man's predicament.  Concern for his well-being was subsequently reported to Northern Constabulary by his partner (about 0010 hours on Sunday, 27 September, 2009) but without Ms Gilmartin's information, protracted enquiry and search may have been required before the emergency services located him and this would have delayed vital medical treatment.  Ms Gilmartin's actions and the Police officers initiative are therefore to be highly commended".

The details of the man, who remains in hospital, are not being released at this time.