Crieff Hydro suspends all river activities while weekend rescue is investigated

Investigations are taking place into the events leading up to a dramatic river rescue in Perthshire at the weekend.

As we reported (link), emergency services helped several people escape from their 4×4 vehicle when it got into difficulty as it crossed a ford during an adventure day led by Crieff Hydro’s outdoor activity team on Saturday.

Their vehicle was swept off the track and into the Shaggie Burn, which was in spate due to heavy overnight rain, leaving the Land Rover facing downstream.

As a result of the terrifying incident, all activities involving crossing water were immediately suspended and the hotel has now launched an inquiry.

Estates manager Russell Crighton said: “We have suspended all river-crossing activities pending our own investigation. Crieff Hydro runs over 60 activities for customers and, by their nature, sometimes these have an unpredictable element, but customer safety is the top priority.”

Perth and Kinross Council will be contacting the hotel to check what risk assessments are in place for such activities and whether they require updating.

The trapped passengers all escaped with just minor cuts and bruises.