Good response to SAR Helicopter Blog, lots of comments!

Many thanks for all the comments most on Facebook to the Blog on military SAR helicopters, it is great to see what most people think. Unfortunately those in charge make the decisions and the only way of letting them know how we feel is to tell them. I have written to my MP and at least said how I feel, so many of disagree but do nothing?

The Seaking helicopter from Lossiemouth was in action at the weekend when a good friend of mine was lifted of the hill in the Cairngorms. He was out for a wander on his own after just moving up to work in the mountains and was blown over by a huge gust. Pete is a big lad but the power of nature gave him little chance and he was thrown about 30 feet into boulders and he smashed his ankle, fairly badly. He tried to walk/ crawl off but the ankle would not support his weight and he called for help. He was met by the Cairngorm Mrt who were quickly on scene and the helicopter came in and took him to Raigmore hospital near Inverness. It was a gusty flight, Pete had worked on the Sea King for many years and was glad to see it come in. A simple rescue but it could have been much more serious, if it had occurred higher up. Pete did nothing wrong but accidents can happen and it is great to have such a great Rescue Service, he is recovering in Raigmore and out of action for a few months with his ankle in plaster!

Photo: Pete  getting looked after, we visited him last night!

It was a wild night with it sleet  in Inverness as we drove back and as awful winters night. It was good to see Pete, pretty upbeat but lucky it was not a lot worse.

I am getting ready for a lecture in Ayr on Monday to the Rotary club, which some of my family will be at so I better get it right! I also have the SMC dinner on Saturday at Fort William so busy as usual. My winter tyres will be back on today as I think they may be needed soon, December is nearly here, it is better to be prepared!

Todays tip; If out on the mountains alone be extra careful make sure you tell someone where you are going and when you will return, it easy to have a wee snag as Pete has found out, be safe!