A woman walking in the Harris hills sparked an emergency response from all services last night (Thursday 13 July) when she suffered a dislocated ankle.

The woman was walking with companions near Sròn Ulladale, on a stalker’s path described by Walk Highlands as ‘involving a fair amount of ascent and descent in a wild area.’

When it became clear that she could not walk after injuring her ankle, her companions called police, who requested assistance via Stornoway Coastguard operations centre at 7.18pm.

Coastguard rescue teams from Stornoway, Ness and the Isle of Harris were joined by area commander (AC18) Murdo Macaulay together with the Scottish Ambulance Service and Hebridean mountain rescue.

The casualty was located a substantial distance from the nearest road end, at Huisinis, with a long walk to reach her position and what Murdo Macaulay described as ‘a tough carry’ to bring her back out.

With coastguard rescue helicopter R948 already engaged on a medical transfer from Tiree to Glasgow, the Inverness rescue helicopter R151 was asked for assistance and located the casualty.

She was uplifted by the helicopter before any of the ground teams had reached her position and taken to Western Isles Hospital for treatment.

The casualty was on board the helicopter and teams all stood down at 9.35pm.

Area commander Macaulay said all the teams were tired this morning after a long walk, but are ready to support members of Scottish Ambulance Service with safety cover at the Hebridean Celtic Festival arena from tonight.

Pictures show emergency teams gathered at Huisinis and CRT members on the long walk in to Ulladale (Stornoway Coastguard Rescue Team/Murdo Macaulay/HM Coastguard).