This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Mountain conditions alert
13/04/2006
Spring may be here but Scotland's hills and mountains, which will attract thousands of people this Easter weekend, can still pose serious hazards.
Deputy Rural Development Minister Rhona Brankin is urging climbers and hill-walkers not to be complacent when they venture out and to take care as winter conditions still remain.
Ms Brankin said:
"The beauty of the Scottish mountain landscape can be even more tempting to climbers and hill walkers as the weather improves but everyone should be aware that conditions can still change fast, presenting many hazards to the unwary or to those who are not prepared.
"Anyone heading for the hills, either for a relaxing walk or for a challenging climb, should be properly equipped to cope with changing ground and weather conditions.
"I would advise making full use of all available sources of advice such as weather forecasts for the hills and local advice and information on prevailing mountain conditions.
"Climbers should continue to check the sportscotland Avalanche Information Service as snowy conditions remain in many areas of Scotland.
"Enjoy Scotland's mountains this Spring but please be careful. Take time to make appropriate checks before you set off and look after yourself and fellow mountaineers."