A FATHER and son have been rescued from a camping trip in the Cheviot hills after suffering from heat exhaustion.
The 54-year-old man and his 17-year-old son set off from Morebattle in the Borders on Saturday before enjoying a “great day and a fine night’s camping out on the hill”.
However, their water supplies ran low as temperatures rose on Sunday and the pair’s energy levels began to dip.
While traversing the summit of The Schil, a 2000ft hill popular with hikers, the father began vomiting and “dipping in and our of consciousness”.
READ MORE: Lightning strike starts fire on roof of family home in Aviemore
His son then called 999 and the Borders Search and Rescue Unit (BSARU) launched into action at around 2pm on Sunday.
When the crew arrived on the scene the son was also suffering from the effects of the heat.
The BSARU team worked alongside crews from Northumberland Mountain Rescue to erect a shelter providing shade and began efforts to rehydrate the struggling walkers.
Their condition quickly stabilised and the pair were taken down the hillside to safety.
Search and resuce teams ensured the safe recovery of the father and son
However, their rescuers have issued a warning to other hikers planning an excursion during hot weather.
Duncan Buchanan, a team leader for BSARU, said: "We're all mountain enthusiasts in the team and we encourage the public to enjoy the hills and find adventure in our wonderful local environment.
"In the summer, be sure to take a sun hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, enough food to keep you fuelled for the duration of your expedition, and a little more besides.
"Importantly, have a realistic idea of the fitness and capabilities of every member of the party."
The crew also warned that while people are often wary of cold on Scotland’s mountains, the effects of heat exhaustion can be “just as dangerous” and “even faster to strike”.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here