About 1520hrs on 8th January 2015, Police Scotland (Dumfries and Galloway Division) called out Galloway Mountain Rescue Team to rescue an Ayrshire fell runner and his dog from the Galloway Hills.
The experienced runner had become disorientated on the Merrick and the team were called when he couldn’t find his way off the hill. The Police Scotland helicopter also attended and located the walker to the west of the summit. Team members from Newton Stewart attended the scene and met the helicopter crew on a forest road on Kirriemore. The runner was found safe and well and was driven by the team back to his car at Bruce’s Stone.
Team Leader Ken Mackenzie, who led the rescue said; “Given the fact that darkness was quickly approaching, and very stormy weather was forecast for the following 36 hours, the runner was quite right in contacting us as soon as he realised he couldn’t navigate himself off the hill. This is the second successful rescue we’ve now completed with the Police Scotland helicopter and it’s proving to be an extremely helpful asset.” For more information about the voluntary activities of Galloway MRT including details of incidents, training, walk routes and much more, visit www.gallowaymrt.org.uk.
LOST FELL RUNNER FOUND SAFE AND WELL ON THE MERRICK
