Sligachan. Photo: Paul Stevenson

Police have issued a warning to walkers after torrential rain led to 11 people having to be rescued as rivers became impassable.

Five children were among those rescued on Skye in appalling conditions. Skye Mountain Rescue Team responded to three separate incidents yesterday, Sunday, as heavy rain swept the area.

A party of six, including three children, had to be walked to safety on the path between Sligachan campsite and Peinchorran after becoming trapped. Earlier in the day, a woman injured her knee in a fall on the same path, which follows the north shore of Loch Sligachan. All those rescued were taken to Portree Hospital as a precaution, but police said none were seriously hurt.

Later in the afternoon, the Skye MRT was again called out to help two children and two adults stranded by rising water in rivers near the Fairy Polls, Glenbrittle. The team again walked them to safety, none needing medical treatment.

The rescues prompted a warning from Portree-based Sergeant Richard Baird, of the Northern Constabulary. He said: “There are very few bridges on the footpaths in Skye and even short periods of heavy rain can cause rivers to rise rapidly, often making them uncrossable.

“Check the weather forecast before you go out and if necessary cut short your walk or amend your plans.

“Crossing swollen rivers is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted.”

In May this year, a new bridge was installed over the Allt Dearg in Glen Sligachan which saved rescuers and walkers a 3km (2-mile) detour while accessing the Cuillin range. A previous, makeshift structure was washed away.