MBE For Scottish Mountain Rescue Vet

The leader of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours.

Terry Confield, a 58-year old veteran who has been a member of the team for 40 years commented: '"I'm absolutely over the moon - I'm really chuffed' before adding that every member of the voluntary mountain rescue service 'should get a medal'.

Coincidentally, BBC drama Rockface is allegedly based on real life rescues carried out by the Lochaber team, which covers the Ben Nevis area of the highlands. Full story on the BBC Scotland news site.

Climber Survives Fall In Gorms

On a more sobre note, a climber reportedly survived a 600-foot fall while ice climbing in the northern corries of Cairngorm yesterday. The man was reportedlyairlifted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness with a broken back and head injuries.