A WOMAN in urgent need of medical assistance was airlifted to hospital from Inchmurrin Island on Loch Lomond on Sunday.

The early morning drama began when the police asked the Loch Lomond rescue boat to help an ambulance crew reach the casualty.

Once on the island, the paramedics deemed the woman to be too unwell to be transported by boat, and a helicopter was called to transfer the casualty to hospital.

Sunday’s incident followed a busy Easter period for the rescue boat when the crew were called out seven times.

Three calls were to assist boats and their users suffering mechanical issues.

Two calls were to help the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service deal with grass fires on Inchcailloch.

The remaining two were to help walkers who had fallen on the West Highland Way, suffering lower leg injuries which would require further medical treatment.

All calls were dealt with successfully and the rescue boat crew wished the two injured walkers a speedy recovery.

Meanwhile, the rescue boat crew has issued a warning about the dangers of swimming in the loch.

Clinton Salter, deputy coxswain, told the Reporter: “Even in warm weather, the loch is very cold and swimmers must be aware of the dangers.

“The water is murky and it is difficult to see the bottom. It also shelves very quickly from the bank and swimmers can go down like a brick if they get into difficulties.”