Two walkers seriously injured after falling down steep cliffs on banks of Loch Lomond
Two walkers suffered serious injuries after falling on to rocks whilst tackling the West Highland Way.
The pair, along with a third walker, had been navigating the famous trail when all three plummeted down a steep rock face near Island I Vow – roughly two and a half miles north of Inversnaid – on Tuesday afternoon.
The Loch Lomond Rescue Boat (LLRB) received an alert from Police Scotland at 3.55pm following reports of three people on the West Highland Way who had fallen, suffering serious injuries and needing urgent help.
They deployed straight away and headed to the scene near Island I Vow, on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond.
Upon arrival, they began casualty care, evaluating, treating and monitoring two patients immediately, whilst the third left the scene and declined medical attention.
Given the location of the two injured hikers, LLRB called for back-up from Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team (Arrochar MRT).
Two LLRB crew members stayed at the scene with the casualties to continue treatment, whilst the boat returned to ferry mountain rescue volunteers to the scene.
A LLRB spokesman said: "With the assistance of Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team utilising rope techniques we lowered and loaded the first patient onto the rescue boat and conveyed them to the waiting ambulance at Inveruglus.
"We then returned to collect the remaining casualty and crew before again returning to Inveruglus to meet the second ambulance.
"We wish both casualties a speedy recovery and would like to thank Arrochar Mountain Rescue team and Scottish ambulance colleagues for their assistance."
A spokesperson for Arrochar MRT stated: "Our team responded to an incident on the east side of Loch Lomond, where two walkers sustained injuries after falling down a steep drop along the West Highland Way. Both walkers were unable to continue their journey and required immediate assistance.
"With help from the LLRB, our team members were transported from Inveruglas to the casualties' location. First aid was administered on scene, and both individuals were stretchered to the boat before being transferred to waiting ambulances in Inveruglas.
"A huge thank you to the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat crew, Police Scotland, and the Scottish Ambulance Service for their swift and invaluable support. We also wish both casualties a full and speedy recovery."
Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service have been contacted.
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