Scots snowboarder survives avalanche

A SCOTTISH snowboarder is recovering in hospital in France after surviving an avalanche in an Alpine resort.

Kieran Tulbere, 20, from Dalry near Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway was airlifted from the slopes after going missing last week.

The alarm was raised by Kieran's elder brother Traian, 23, when he failed to arrive for work, in Val D'Isere resort on Tuesday.

The chalet worker was discovered unconscious at the bottom of a cliff within hours of the alarm being raised, and was flown to hospital in Grenoble where he is being treated for head injures as well as fractured ribs and a broken shoulder blade.

It is believed Kieran had detached his snowboard and was making his way up a slope in a narrow gully when skiers further up the slope triggered a mini avalanche which swept him over the cliff.

Last night his mother Mairi Tulbere, from Strathaven, paid tribute to the prompt action of rescuers and the medics.

Mrs Tulbere, who flew out to France at the weekend said: "We have nothing but praise for the snow patrollers and the mountain rescue workers who found Kieran and got him to hospital so quickly.

"He was in a coma when he was first admitted to the hospital, but he is now responding to treatment and we are optimistic that he will in time make a full recovery."