Cyclist's watch alerts emergency services after fall on remote trail

Braemar Mountain Rescue was contacted after emergency services received the alert from the man's watch.

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Aberdeenshire

Emergency services were alerted to an injured cyclist on a remote trail in Aberdeenshire after his watch raised the alarm.

Braemar Mountain Rescue was called after the 61-year-old cyclist fell in Glen Ey on Tuesday evening.

The team was contacted by Police Scotland after the Scottish Ambulance Service received the alert from the man’s watch.

Following the fall, the man was able to pick himself up and make his way down the glen where he was met by family who were already searching for him. He was then taken back to his holiday accommodation.

Five mountain rescue team members responded to the incident and initially searched the location given by his watch but were later told to assess the man at his holiday accommodation.

Braemar Mountain Rescue team’s operations manager, Malcolm MacIntyre, said the man had “poor recollection” of what had happened and was advised to attend A&E.

“Despite the remoteness and narrowness of the glen, his Apple watch alert worked well, though there is not two-way communication on these devices, or at least not yet,” Mr MacIntyre said.

A spokesperson for Braemar Mountain Rescue said: “Call-out this evening for a biker who took a fall.

“Helmet trashed, but did its job. First time we’ve had a watch activate an emergency alert.

“Wishing the casualty a swift and full recovery.”