Just had word from Fort William Police that Challenger 160 was safely airlifted from Barrisdale Bay this morning and taken to Broadford hospital after feeling unwell.

Sincere thanks to fellow Challengers and estate staff who initiated the operation and to the crew of the helicopter who got her out safely.

Other Challengers have reported that conditions are on the grimmer side of grim, with rain overnight and rivers substantially swollen. One had visibility down to 5m-10m so the crew must have been flying in grim conditions - sincere thanks again.

More days of rain and wind to come yet… it's not called the "Challenge" without good reason!

Best wishes for a speedy recovery

Thank you for making us feel part of the event despite being moored at home. We wish this challenger a speedy recovery and grateful thanks for the helicopter rescue men. Sounds as if the weather is not great but then that often is the case - as soon as the sun comes out everyone forgets about the rain! Hope you don't get too bothered with cabin fever at the Park - greetings and love to all from both John and Mary

Hi Mary and John, wonderful to hear from you. Control life very gentle at the moment; all the incidents so far have been taken out of our hands buy the big yellow taxis. Not the quietest start we could have wished for but all safe, which is what counts. Weather continues to be wet an windy. Snow forecast for tomorrow! Hope you're both being entertained by the comings and goings. I'm sure you'd both rather be out there hiking as would Roger and I (but at least we're all dry…!).
j

Sincere apologies to anyone offended by my use, in the above post from yesterday, of the slang phrase "big yellow taxi".

In no way was this meant to demean the fantastic services provided by the crews of the helicopters which at times have come to the aid of Challengers and thousands of other hillgoers. The phrase is a common term of affection for the familiar aircraft which are all-too-often often a very welcome sight when things occasionally go wrong in the hills, and that – a term of affection – is the sense in which it was intended.

Weather sounds pretty dire!! What a shame that anyone should take your reply to me in the wrong way ............ No accounting for how folk react to fun!!! All of us are surely full of admiration and grateful for the great work of the rescue services. Hope no more call outs .... Love to you all and I am also sure everyone is grateful for the support and care coming from "Control"

Today's Herald reports that the Coastguard helicopter had three separate flights to Loch Hourn within 12 hours to airlift casualties to Skye.