Call for avalanche warning review

Climbers and skiers use the risk assessment service

The Scottish Government has been asked to review the operation of an avalanche risk assessment service.

The BBC Scotland news website reported this month concerns from climbers the valued service was shutting down even though heavy snowfalls remained.

MSP Mike Rumbles said he had been contacted by concerned constituents.

Tim Walker of the sportscotland Avalanche Information Service said it had to have clear start and finish points based on statistical evidence.

The last avalanche incident in late April was recorded in 1952, Mr Walker said.

Mr Rumbles, Liberal Democrat MSP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, has written to Sports Minister Stewart Maxwell calling for the service to be extended.

He said: "It seems clear to me that there cannot simply be a 'cut-off' date for the avalanche warning service.

"It must surely be dependant on the prevailing weather conditions."

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