Slip likely led to three climbers falling to deaths

Aonach Eagach ridge sits above Loch Achtriochtan in Glencoe

- BY MIKE MERRITT AND RICHARD ELIAS

THE deaths of three people in Scotland’s worst summer mountain climbing tragedy has been described as the “most significant of its kind on UK mountains”.

Guide Dave Fowler and clients Graham Cox and Hazel Crombie were roped together when they likely plunged to their deaths in the Highlands after one of them slipped to drag the others with them, a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) last August ruled as the findings of the probe were made public yesterday.

They had been reported missing on Saturday, August 5, 2023 before their bodies were found in the early hours of the following morning by Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) volunteer.

They had fallen down a steep grassy area at Aonach Eagach ridge in Glencoe and over a 15 to 20metre cliff, coming to rest on a scree slope on the northern flank of the ridge.

Held at Fort William Sheriff Court, the inquiry heard evidence about conditions on the mountain ridge.

Among the witnesses was Shaun Roberts, principal of Glenmore Lodge, Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre. He said: “I believe this incident represents the most significant of its kind on UK mountains.” Commenting on this in his final report, Sheriff Neil Wilson, who presided over the FAL, said: “I have no reason to doubt him.”

The sheriff, himself a highly-experienced climber, highlighted three areas where he believed preparation had been “inadequate”.

The spot where the tragedy occurred was described as “exposed” and having sections that required “scrambling” — using hands to help remain balanced while crossing difficult terrain.