Covid-breach kayaker without paddle rescued from island

A kayaker who is thought to have breached coronavirus regulations by travelling from England to Loch Lomond on a camping trip had to be rescued after getting stuck on an island without a paddle.

The Loch Lomond Rescue Boat was dispatched to rescue the man from Inchtavannach on Tuesday.

He had gone for a walk around the island but returned to find the paddle to his kayak missing.

In a Facebook post, the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat (LLRB) said: “The rescue boat was launched and located the person on the island and safely transferred himself and his equipment over to his car at Aldochly. LLRB then returned to Luss and stood down.

“This person had travelled from England to camp on the island for the Easter weekend. Please could we remind all to stick to the Covid rules and keep people safe.”

A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed the local lifeboat service was contacted and the incident handed to them, adding the man was rescued safe and well.

Meanwhile, two people sparked another Loch Lomond rescue mission this week after getting into trouble in a dinghy during windy weather.

The pair were stuck on the small inflatable near the Cameron House Hotel on Monday.

Police alerted the Loch Lomond Rescue boat shortly after 4.30pm and rescuers were able to track down the dinghy.

A spokesman for Loch Lomond Rescue Boat said: “A member of the public had reported seeing two persons in a small rib on the water near to Cameron House and was concerned for their safety due to the windy weather conditions.

“The rescue boat was launched and eventually located the small rib heading back up the River Leven into the Loch.

“The occupants were instructed to put life jackets on and LLRB stayed alongside until they had returned to their point of launch.

“LLRB then returned to Luss and stood down.”