Rescue team urging hikers and beauty spot visitors to have "common sense"
Loch Lomond's mountain rescue team is keen to share the message ahead of travel restrictions being relaxed on Friday.
Last updated 14th Apr 2021
Evenings are getting brighter, the air is feeling warmer and as of Friday, we can travel anywhere in the country.
With the numbers of vaccinated people increasing every day too, it looks like we might be able to properly enjoy the summer months in Scotland.
But whether you're heading to Skye's fairy pools, Ben Lomond, the Devil's Pulpit in the Finnich Glen or anywhere else in the north, south, east or west, we're being reminded and encouraged to research the areas we're visiting.
The Loch Lomond mountain rescue team are pleading with us to have "common sense" when we're on day trips and be aware of dangers that lurk, camouflaged to the naked eye.
David Dodson, their team leader, told us: "Inevitably, after such long periods of lockdown and travel restrictions, there's going to be many more folk heading out to explore the hills and beauty spots in our country, and you can't really blame them.
"A degree of common sense is required though in terms of their own safety and the safety of others.
"It's important wherever you're planning to go, that you think ahead, whether it's up into the hills or another place.
"Consider the equipment you might need, the weather conditions and your timing.
"Don't be fooled by the weather at sea-level too, conditions can still be very wintery up in the hills just now. It was only a few weeks ago our guys were out using crampons.
"If you're going to go high you should have axes and crampons just now and visibility can change at a moments notice so you need to be able to navigate too.
"Some skills are essential if you're going high, but elsewhere, if you're not sure about something always choose safety first."
A 24-year-old man was rescued from the Devil's Pulpit by David's team at the weekend after falling 100ft and sustaining serious injuries.
It's a very popular place at the moment for Instagram users and keen photographers, and speaking specifically about the gorge, Mr Dodson added: "We're seeing a lot of people visit here at the moment.
"For a start, there's limited parking and walking on the road to and from the pulpit is fraught with danger to be honest.
"Once you get on to the land, there's a warning sign but no barriers to stop you coming across the edge of the gorge. The edge are very steep and covered in vegetation and loose mud with tree roots and leaves, so its very dangerous.
"The man we rescued was severely injured and it's important to be very careful at the gorge. I know it's tempting to look down or take the perfect photo but it can be unstable and easily cause you to lose your footing."