Several people including an adult and five children were admitted to hospital yesterday afternoon after a chairlift at the Lecht Ski Centre in Aberdeenshire derailed. The injured fell a distance of around 20 feet and mainly suffered from spine and leg injuries, none of which are thought to be life threatening. The incident happened at around 15.30 yesterday afternoon and the injured were swiftly taken to hospital by the rescue services, three by helicopter and the other three by ambulance. We hope for a speedy recovery for all those involved!

Around 30 people were left stranded on the remaining chairs for around an hour but were safely brought back to firm ground once the injured had been seen to. Feedback from witnesses on site at the time of the accident suggests that the rescue teams worked efficiently and swiftly to deal with the situation – exactly what we want to hear in situations that are as unpredictable as this one was. There were a large number of children using the slopes yesterday as it is currently the half-term holidays in many parts of Scotland.

The Lecht is the smallest ski-field in Scotland yet boasts 12 ski lifts and terrain that is suited to all levels of snowboarders and skiers. It has invested heavily in its freestyle offerings this season, with a park setup that includes a variety of boxes and rails and no less than three kickers.

While no one was seriously injured yesterday, the incident surely raises the question of whether a general review is needed for current Scottish skilift systems, many of which are old, rickety and need of a facelift. What is your experience of Scottish ski lifts in general? Are they in good nick as is or is it only a matter of time before there are more (perhaps more tragic) incidents like this one? Let us know in the comments section below.