We climbed C-D Scoop and were at the top of No.2 Gully on the descent from The Rake when the snow collapsed under Jenny's feet. She fell about 2 metres, the belay held but she dislocated her shoulder. She managed to get back onto her feet and traverse onto easier ground. No. 2 gully was too steep and the snow wasn't good enough for her to descend or cross it and climb out with one arm and reversing our route would take us back into more difficult terrain. It was obvious that we would need help to get out safely so I called the Police and asked for Mountain Rescue. Glencoe Team phoned me back immediately to inform us that a helicopter had been called but they would come up ready to assist and complete the rescue if necessary. We slinged Jenny's arm with a triangular bandage and 2 climbing slings, put belay jackets on and sat on rucsacs inside our group shelter.
Within an hour a Royal Navy Sea King circled overhead to assess the rescue then in the snowstorm from the downwash I felt a firm tap on my shoulder and the strop was on.
After unclipping from the belays I was winched then they made several circuits with views over Aonach Eagach before winching Jenny. The winch operator told me there was only 5m between the rotors and the crags.
You can see our footsteps descending from right to left in these pics.
A four minute flight took us to Belford Hospital, Fort William where they relocated Jenny's shoulder. We would like to thank the Royal Navy and Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team for such a swift and effective response. Next time you are at the Clachaig, the mountain in front of you as you look East down Glencoe valley is Aonach Dubh. No. 2 gully is the second deep gash and the helicopter crew hovered in the bowl at the top to winch us out, pretty tight.
