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Motherwell trio lost in Arrochar mist fined after Scots mountain rescue called out for first time in lockdown
by David IrvineA MOTHERWELL trio lost in the mist on Arrochar have been fined after it prompted the first Scots mountain rescue call out in lockdown.
Three hillwalkers, aged 21,22 and 23, lost their way as mist descended upon The Cobbler tracks in Arrochar, Argyll as mountain rescue teams were called for assistance.
Cops called for Arrochar Mountain Rescue to attend the scene to help locate and escort the group off the hills just after 3.20pm yesterday.
Fortunately all three people were traced and safely guided down the hill with social distancing regulations followed.
The group were then spoken to by cops at the bottom of the trail.
They were advised over Scottish regulation on travel during lockdown after the rescue mission.
The trio were also handed fines by cops under coronavirus regulations.
An Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team statement read: "Today we had our first callout since lockdown began.
"Arrochar MRT were called out by Police Scotland at 15:20 for three hillwalkers from Motherwell who were lost in the mist on The Cobbler, Arrochar, Argyll.
"All three were located and safely escorted down the hill (from a safe distance).
"Police met them at the bottom to discuss/explain the current Scottish regulation on travel during lockdown and issued them with the relevant fine."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Police Scotland received a report around 2.38pm yesterday, Sunday, 24 May, 2020, relating to three walkers who had reported becoming lost whilst out walking on The Cobbler, Arrochar.
"A search was organised using the Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team and the three men were found safe and well, and walked off the mountain.
"As a consequence, each of the men, aged, 21, 22 and 23 years were issued with a fixed penalty ticket relating to a breach of the Covid-19 regulations."