Policing the Communities of the Highlands and Islands

Mountain Rescue and Safety

With its dramatic and often challenging peaks, the North of Scotland is an extremely popular area for climbers and walkers alike.  However, at any time of the year the weather can change rapidly, turning what started out as a sunny day's hilllwalking into a dangerous expedition.

At times, Northern Constabulary's dog section is called upon to join mountain rescue teams in their searches for people who have become lost or injured on the mountains of the Highlands.

If you are planning a hillwalking trip to the Highlands, it is sensible to take simple precautions before heading into the wildnerness, to ensure that you do not require an emergency search and rescue.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team Land Rover

Here are some simple - yet potentially lifesaving - rules to follow before setting out:

Do bring

  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Warm trousers and a fleece
  • Gloves and a hat
  • Gaiters
  • Good, sturdy walking boots
  • Rucksack
  • Head torch
  • Map (ensure it is the correct one, and protect it from the weather)
  • Compass
  • Whistle
  • Bivvy Bag 
  • Spare food
  • Small First Aid kit
  • Mobile phone 

Also, it is vital you ensure all in your party is fit for the walk, and at least one person has the ability to use a map and compass accurately in mist, darkness and severe weather.

Always notify someone of your intented route and expected return time. You can do this by either leaving deatils with a family member or by filling out a 'Going to the Hills' form  which is available at all police stations.

Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis - photo Alan Kimber

Do not 

  • Go without being able to navigate
  • Rely on rescue (take full responsibility for your own safety)
  • Assume the route is over once you get to the top (half of all accidents happen in descent)
  • Be inflexible about objectives
  • Be complacent about the weather
  • Rely on mobile phones
  • Leave your mobile switched on (you may require all of its battery power if rescued)
  • Dial 999 at the first hint of trouble (Always think is 999 really necessary?)
  • Rely on Global Positioning Satellite devices (they are only an aid)
Cuillin Ridge, Isle of Skye - photo: Alan Kimber

Further information is available from any of the following mountain rescue teams which operate in the Northern Constabulary Force area.

For an up-to-date mountain weather forecast for the North of Scotland, go to the main website for the Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland;

Items of interest

Memorandum of understanding and agreement of financial arrangements between the Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland (MRCS) and the Scottish Government Justice & Communities Directorate

Other Sites of Interest