Latest news with #GlencoeMountainRescue
Daily Record
a day ago
- General
- Daily Record
Dumfries and Galloway memorial to be unveiled to Scottish mountain rescue pioneer
A blue plaque is being installed in Gatehouse to honour Hamish MacInnes, who scaled the Matterhorn aged just 16. A special memorial is to be unveiled to the man seen as the father of Scottish mountain rescue. Hamish MacInnes was born in Gatehouse and scaled the Matterhorn at the age of just 16. He also made four expeditions to Mount Everest, founded mountain rescue teams and pioneered mountain rescue techniques. He based himself in Glencoe, where he died in 2020 at the age of 90. Now, a blue plaque is set to be unveiled at 21 Catherine Street in Gatehouse where he was born. Gatehouse Community Council is behind the project, with Deputy Lord Lieutenant Chris Walker unveiling the memorial on June 19. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. As well as guests from mountain rescue, there will be a walk to the Mill on the Fleet to give people a chance to see display boards about Hamish and one of his mountain rescue sledges. Hamish was involved in the founding of Glencoe Mountain Rescue and was also involved in the Search and Rescue Dog Association Scottish Avalanche Information Service. He invented the world's first all metal ice-axe and the collapsible lightweight stretcher still used in various forms by today's mountain rescue teams. Hamish wrote the International Mountain Rescue Book and worked on films with stars such as Robert De Niro, Clint Eastwood and Sean Connery. He received the British Empire Medal in 1962 and an OBE for services to mountaineering in 1979.
Press and Journal
06-05-2025
- Press and Journal
Quest for answers to begin after three climbers fell to death on notorious Glencoe ridge
A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the deaths of three climbers on a ridge in Glencoe is expected to take place this summer. The climbers — Graham Cox, 60, Hazel Crombie, 64, and David Fowler, 39 — lost their lives during an expedition on the notorious Aonach Eagach Ridge in August 2023. At a preliminary hearing on Monday, Sheriff Neil Wilson confirmed that the inquiry is scheduled for 18 and 19 August at Fort William Sheriff Court. A further procedural hearing is due to take place on 9 June to finalise arrangements, the BBC has reported. The tragedy unfolded on Saturday August 5, when the climbers failed to return as expected from their route. Concerns were raised, prompting a major search and rescue effort. Climbers failed to return to base after Aonach Eagach trek The operation took place in poor weather conditions, with mist and fog severely hampering visibility and complicating access. The Inverness coastguard helicopter was deployed, along with teams from Glencoe Mountain Rescue and the RAF. Despite the difficult terrain, the climbers' bodies were discovered the following day. The Aonach Eagach ridge, where the incident occurred, is considered one of the most demanding and dangerous scrambles in the UK. The ridge runs for six miles along Glencoe and rises to 3,608 feet at its highest point. Its steep drops, exposed sections and jagged crest attract experienced climbers but pose serious risks, particularly in poor weather. The inquiry will aim to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, identify any contributing factors and determine whether lessons can be learned to improve safety for future climbers. The proceedings are expected to shed light on one of Scotland's most serious recent mountaineering accidents. Have you signed up for our Oban and Hebrides newsletter? Every week our Oban-based reporter Louise Glen curates the best news in the area. Sign up here for local news straight to your inbox. And if you'd like to join the conversation on West Coast Chat on Facebook, we'd love to hear from you.
