Mountaineers urged to heed advice

The council said walkers should go online for avalanche assessments

Walkers and climbers have been encouraged to go online to prepare themselves for winter conditions on Scotland's hills and mountains.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCoS) is offering free advice on its website.

It has also urged enthusiasts to check the Scottish Avalanche Information Service's online reports.

The council said 10 out of 20 deaths in the mountains last year happened in winter.

MCoS safety adviser Heather Morning said equipment such as an ice axe, crampons, head torch and a simple bivouac shelter were among essentials to be carried by walkers and climbers.

She said: "Last year there were 387 mountain rescue call-outs in the Scottish mountains, of which 142 were in the winter season.

"There were also sadly a total of 20 fatalities during the year, 10 of which occurred during winter."

She added: "Folk heading out onto the hills in winter should aim to take advantage of the advice and information on offer, to ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the hill."

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