Young walker airlifted off popular route

MOUNTAIN rescuers and a helicopter were called out the Grey Mare’s Tail last Sunday.

Moffat Mountain Rescue Team (MMRT) were called to the nature reserve to assist in the rescue of a young walker near Loch Skene.

The walker had been out on a family walk when they had fallen and sustained a suspected broken ankle. Giving more detail about the rescue, a spokesperson for the team said: “Due to a lack of phone signal the family had split up with someone remaining behind with the casualty whilst the remaining members walked back to the Grey Mare’s Tail car park to make the call for help.

“Ten members of Moffat MRT responded to the callout alongside the Scottish Ambulance Service, Police Scotland Dumfries and Galloway, HM Coastguard R199 helicopter and five members of Police Scotland mountain rescue were enroute.

“The Scottish Ambulance Service and R199 crew were able to access the casualty site quickly and administer pain relief as well splint the affected limb. Two members of Moffat MRT ascended the hill on foot to join them in loading the casualty into the helicopter.”

The helicopter then flew the injured walker down to the main road and handed them over to the ambulance crew for to transport them to hospital. The MMRT spokesperson added: “We wish them all the best in their recovery.”