Eight scouts rescued from Cairngorms by Coastguard helicopter

Eight scouts have been rescued by the UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Inverness after being reported overdue.

 Just after 9pm yesterday (10 August) Police Scotland raised the alarm and requested UK Coastguard assistance after the boys scouts were reported overdue in the Carrbridge area of the Cairngorms.  

 Using their FLIR cameras, the crew of the Inverness Coastguard helicopter quickly located the group who were captured waving and flashing lights towards the helicopter.

 The scouts, aged between 10 and 14, had made their way to a remote bothy on the River Dulnain, which was 7 miles from their original camp at Sluggan Bridge.  As scouts, they were totally prepared and had lit a fire inside the Bothy to keep warm, when it turned dark and the weather began to get colder. 

 The Coastguard helicopter landed near the Bothy and took the youngsters on a trip of a lifetime back to Sluggan Bridge where Police Scotland and the Cairngorms Mountain Rescue Team were waiting for them.  They were given a warm welcome by their scout friends who'd raised the alarm that they were overdue. 

 Simon Hammock, Aircraft Captain for the UK Coastguard said:  'We were tasked to assist the police and Cairngorm MRT who were on scene co-ordinating the search.  As darkness fell we were all relieved to find the group safe and well.  They had travelled a significant distance across uneven ground and as the weather deteriorated had elected to seek shelter in a bothy.  Their scouting training had been put to good use and had ultimately ensured their safety.  They had a fire lit for warmth and upon hearing the helicopter signalled us by flashing lights and waving clothing.  We landed next to the bothy and as our winchman Jon approached the group and one of the smallest asked “can we have a lift?” and then quickly followed up with “are we in trouble?”  He was able to put their minds at rest and when we returned them to their camp they were met with open arms by the other cubs and scouts.  A great result.'













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