Warning over dangers of mountains in winter
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As Scotland's mountains become well covered in snow, a top mountaineering body has warned of the dangers facing winter walkers and climbers.
Some 20 people have already lost their lives in the mountains this year.
Mountaineering Scotland has analysed the deaths and said 10 were either approaching, or on, a technical climb.
Three died as a result of avalanche, and three had spent a lifetime enjoying the hills.
Heather Morning, mountain safety adviser with Mountaineering Scotland, said: “Shorter daylight hours, dropping temperatures and the first snow on the hills are all good indicators that it is time to think about extra kit in your rucksack.
“Routes will take longer than expected in winter and many people will end up finishing in the dark – so a head torch – and spare batteries – is crucial.
“In fact better still is to carry a spare head torch – as anyone who has tried to change batteries in the cold and dark will testify.”
Temperatures above 3,000ft are at least 10c below what they are at sea level at this time of year, and extra layers are essential for safety.
An emergency bivvy bag is also recommended while groups should also carry a nylon shelter in case they become stationary for any period of time.
Ms Morning added: “If you are heading out on the higher tops, now is the time to add crampons, rigid boots to accommodate them, an ice axe and spare essentials such as hats and winter gloves to your essential kit list.”
This year's avalanche warning service for the main areas enjoyed by hillwalkers and climbers is to start next month.
The number of avalanches in the Scottish Highlands fell last winter - but there were still a number of deaths linked to the killer snow slides.
The vital warning service provides climbers and hill walkers with the avalanche risk on Scotland's mountains.
The Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) will start on December 17.
Daily reports for the six operational areas of Lochaber, Glencoe, Creag Meagaidh, Southern Cairngorms , Northern Cairngorms and Torridon area will be issued.
Last season, the organisation's team of forecasters recorded fewer avalanches than the previous winter - 205 compared to 237.
There were no avalanche-related deaths the previous winter.
During the winter of 2012-13, eight people died because of avalanches. It was the highest number of deaths in five seasons of SAIS forecasts.
