IMHO a perfect ending - a splash of publicity which will hopefully make others think twice about doing something similar, genuine contrition and humility from the miscreants and obvious gratitude towards their rescuers and recognition of a job well done by the Lochaber MRT.
There is a world of difference in playing organised sport such as football, rugby, cricket or boxing under the auspices of a national sports association in facilities owned by a club, local authority where insurance is both feasible and appropriate and someone heading to the hills on a weekend either on their own or with a few mates.
IIRC BMC membership used to come with some kind of insurance but I suspect that was more to do with covering potential liability to climbing partners or third parties rather than to cover the cost of a ride to hospital in a helicopter.
As the Lochaber MRT statement said, compulsory insurance is unworkable and they do not support the idea of charging people for being rescued and if they are happy with the way things work at present, I think that should be the end of it.
Would those advocating compulsory insurance (and presumably training and licensing) for those planning a bimble in the hills also be happy for the same arrangements apply to buying an axe, knife and tarp and going to play in the woods?
It might seem unfair that ill-equipped and inexperienced numpties get a free ride in a helicopter but then if we all adhered to the guidance on alcohol intake, smoking, food and exercise, the burden on the NHS would be significantly reduced. There are a couple of sayings involving throwing stones, sin and glasshouses that spring to mind.
