- Mountain rescue callouts across the UK are rising significantly, driven by a post-pandemic increase in people taking up hill walking and mountain climbing.
- The Assynt Mountain Rescue Team's 40 volunteers collectively contribute around 8,500 hours annually to assist hikers across the Scottish Highlands.
- Incidents involving 18 to 24-year-olds have more than doubled since 2019, partly due to social media posts showcasing popular mountain locations.
- Volunteers undergo extensive training and balance demanding callouts with their personal and professional lives, frequently making personal sacrifices.
- Mountain safety experts stress the importance of thorough preparation and advise anyone in difficulty to dial 999 and ask for the police and mountain rescue.
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