RESCUE volunteers and members of the public were each hailed as an “absolute hero” by a man who got into difficulty in the Ochils at the weekend.

A helicopter flew in to winch to safety Alan Caldwell who was injured following “a significant fall” near Law Hill past Dollar on Sunday, December 10.

The call came shortly before 2pm according to the Ochils Mountain Rescue Team, which attended with the team doctor and worked with ambulance crews to treat the injuries of the man.

Meanwhile, other team members made preparations for a helicopter evacuation with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Helicopter Rescue 199 from Prestwick.

The injured man was lifted to safety before sunset with a social media post from the rescue team adding: “Many thanks to the members of the public that assisted before we arrived and to the crew of Rescue 199 as always for their outstanding flying in a challenging location.

“We wish the casualty a speedy recovery.”

Alan, recovering in hospital at the time of writing, took to social media to give his thanks to everyone involved in the operation.

While a gash on his forehead needed 14 stitches, another wound on his head got five staples along with some more smaller injuries, luckily he said CT scans looked all clear.

Thanking everyone involved, Alan added: “As the person rescued today can I thank everyone who helped me today.

“Every one of you was an absolute hero, from the individuals who waited with me and stemmed the blood, the doctor who magically happened to be walking in the area, the excellent Mountain Rescue Team, the Coastguard helicopter team and the staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

“I’m in overnight for observation but should be out tomorrow. I’ll have a scar on my head but it could have been much-much worse.”

The man’s family also left heartfelt messages on social media to thank those involved with his dad Alex saying: “You all restore my faith in people.

“Thank you all.”

Alan is now urging people to donate to the local Ochils Mountain Rescue Team – visit https://bit.ly/2C0JDO1 to see how.