A GROUP of 14 scouts from Germany had to be rescued from the hills on Skye after being caught in the open during a spell of torrential rain.

The young people were helped off the Trotternish Ridge by Skye Mountain Rescue Team on Friday then airlifted by Coastguard helicopter to Portree where they were met by police and Red Cross teams.

The group was taken by road in police and Red Cross vehicles to the humanitarian organisation’s mainland base at Kyle of Lochalsh, which has been turned into a rest centre.

The exhausted and soaked scouts were given hot drinks and food. They were also supplied with towels and toiletries and were able to use the centre’s showers to revive themselves after their ordeal.

Anne Eadie, Red Cross service manager, said: “We were called in to help by Police Scotland early this morning. Five volunteers are at the centre looking after the German Scouts.

“The young people were exhausted and very wet when they arrived. They had been camping and were caught in torrential rain during the night. All their tents, sleeping bags and equipment were soaked. A local backpackers’ hostel has given us the use of their drying facilities for all the wet stuff.”

The group were also being helped to get word to their families in Germany about what had happened and to reassure them that they were safe.

Anne Eadie added: “They are all very grateful for the help they’re being given and they’re in good spirits. Our centre at Kyle is used for training volunteers, so it’s fully equipped with everything needed to deal with a situation like this.

“We don’t know at this stage how long our German friends will be with us but we are arranging for bedding and inflatable mattresses in case they have to stay overnight at the centre.

“If required, Red Cross volunteers will work in shifts to look after the Scouts overnight.”