Hillwalker 'clowns' condemned for making 150 mile trip only for car to break down

A group of hillwalkers who travelled 150 miles to the Highlands during the bank holiday weekend, only for their car to break down, have been branded “clowns” for flouting the coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

The passengers had to stay in their car as it was taken away for repairs. Picture: Morar Motors

Despite warnings for people to stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel, the party drove from Glasgow with a view to trekking Glen Shiel in the north west Highlands.

However, they had to call for help after their vehicle suffered a blowout near Cluanie, at the southern end of the glen.

A local breakdown firm, Morar Motors, came to their assistance, with the vehicle transported to Kyle of Lochalsh, where repair work was undertaken.

Restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the pandemic meant the passengers had to remain in their vehicle to maintain social distancing with the recovery driver.

In the aftermath of the recovery, the breakdown company took to social media to condemn the actions of the visiting group.

The post, which has been shared more than 1,300 times as of Monday morning, accused the “clowns” in the party of putting emergency services at risk, as well as others on the road, and described the blowout to the car as an act of “karma.”

It went on: “Who do they think is going to rescue them when they break a leg on the top of a mountain?

“Karma was at work when they got a blow out at Cluanie. Which resulted in a social distance recovery method to Kyle.

“A double bank holiday callout was charged and they were reported to the authorities for their actions. Callout donated to the local emergency services, Kintail Mountain Rescue and Kyle Lifeboat.”

The company added: “Still too many visitors on the road, wonder what else the bank holiday weekend will bring?”

The firm has since announced that its garage will remain closed to everyone, except for emergency breakdowns and repairs for NHS staff and other key workers.

Colin MacDonald, the owner of Morar Motors, said the company had been “debating with the idea” of whether to post about the incident on social media, but decided to publicise it in the wake of similar callouts in other popular tourist destinations, including Glenfinnan and Skye.

“We hope the post will deter others from travelling unnecessarily and putting innocent individuals at risk,” he explained. “It’s just ridiculous.”

Ian Blackford, the SNP MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, criticised the group.

He said: “When you consider the challenges Skye is facing with Covid-19 and recognition of the responsibility we all have to control the spread of the virus, it is the height of recklessness for anyone to think they can drive a long distance to the west Highlands to go for a walk in the hills.

“It must stop and, for now, visitors must stay away.”

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