Latest news with #SkyeMRT
The Independent
07-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Body found in search for experienced walker on Isle of Skye
A body has been found in the search for a missing walker who vanished on the Isle of Skye. Roddy MacPherson, 67, was reported missing on Wednesday and his family have been informed. He was last seen on Monday outside Sligachan Hotel, walking in the direction of the Sligachan Bridge, and has not been heard from since. Mr MacPherson was described as an 'experienced walker' in an appeal by Police Scotland. On Friday afternoon, the body of a man was traced by police and local mountain rescue teams on Cuillins. There would appear to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal. Formal identification has yet to be made. A spokesperson for Skye mountain rescue team (MRT) said: 'Extensive searches were carried out, mainly focusing on the Red Hills and parts of the Northern Cuillin. On Thursday, thanks to helpful information from a local guide, efforts shifted to the area around Bruach na Frithe. 'Around midday on Friday, with improved weather and cloudless tops, a body was sighted on a grassy ledge high on the cliffs between Harta and Lota Corries. It was immediately clear that lowering the casualty to safety would be long and technically demanding. 'A team member was lowered to a position above and confirmed there were no signs of life, and that significantly more equipment would be needed. Fortunately, Stornoway Coastguard helicopter R948 was able to return and carry out a direct lift from the ledge — an incredible effort and a huge relief. 'The helicopter later returned multiple times to help extract the teams and equipment back to Sligachan. 'Skye MRT contributed over 350 hours to this search — not including the time and effort given by Police Scotland (N division), Royal Air Force mountain rescue service, Kintail mountain rescue, Glenelg mountain rescue, Search and Rescue Dog Association Scotland, local Coastguard teams including HM Coastguard – Portree, Isle of Skye, and helicopter crews of R948 and R951. 'Our sincere thanks to all involved. Thanks also to the Sligachan Hotel for feeding and supporting us on Wednesday night and Thursday. 'Skye MRT extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Roderick MacPherson at this very difficult time. While formal identification has yet to be made, we understand this will come as deeply sad news to those that knew him.'
BBC News
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Film-maker fell like a 'rag doll' down Skye mountainside
A film-maker has said he is lucky to be alive after tumbling 35m (115ft) down a rocky mountainside on Skye's Cuillin Erik Krasovskis fell near the peak Sgùrr nan Eag last was knocked unconscious and his body went limp like a "rag doll" before he came to a stop on a small ledge - saving him from falling a further 50m (164m)."If that little ledge hadn't stopped me there would have been lethal consequences," said Mr Krasovskis, who survived the ordeal with relatively minor injuries. He thanked rescuers who quickly went to his climbers in the area at the time gave him first aid, and volunteers from Skye Mountain Rescue Team assisted a coastguard helicopter crew in flying him from the scene to hospital in Inverness. The Cuillin Ridge is described in climbing as one of Europe's best mountaineering is seven miles (11km) long and its summits include 11 Munros - which are peaks over 914m (3,000ft).Completing the ridge - known as a traverse - involves climbing and scrambling, crossing a slopes often covered in loose rocks, using hands and feet. Mr Krasovskis and his friend Zak were on the ridge other climbers often do, they camped on the ridge overnight before completing the traverse the following 28-year-old, who makes films for outdoor sportswear and equipment brands, said: "The trip was going really well. "We were getting good footage. It was nice, sunny, dry weather. "Everything was going to plan."While scrambling, Mr Krasovskis' backpack of camera equipment threw him off balance as he made a short hop from higher to lower ground."The backpack pulled me back and the next thing I knew I was rolling down 35m for about 10-20 seconds," he said."I hit my head and I was knocked unconscious. This meant my body relaxed and I fell like a rag doll."My doctor said this saved me from serious injury because I wasn't fighting against the fall." Mr Krasovskis' fall was stopped by the small rocky ledge and he regained said: "I tried to stand up and I said to Zak 'I think I'm good'."I said we could try and walk down."Zak said: 'No chance. Your head is bleeding'. I hadn't realised how far I had fallen."Mr Krasovskis was wrapped in sleeping bags by his friend and emergency services were alerted."The mountain rescue team and helicopter paramedics saved my life," he said."I have to thank them for helping me so quickly."Mr Krasovskis needed stitches to a head wound and treatment for fractured said: "I was extremely lucky."Thirteen members of Skye MRT assisted in the was the team's first callout to the ridge of this year.
