Hampshire councillor Cllr Adrian Collett taken to hospital after fall while climbing Ben Nevis in Scotland

At a Hampshire County Council select committee meeting, the news that Liberal Democrat Cllr Adrian Collett was injured while climbing Ben Nevis in Scotland was made public.

Having reached the summit on Wednesday, the Yateley East and Blackwater representative was on his way down the mountain when he fell.

Cllr Collett suffered facial wounds, with some scabs and bruises still remaining.

He said: 'Having climbed Ben Nevis, I was on the way back down when I suddenly felt shaky. I was shivering and it wasn't even a particularly cold day.

'Then I fell. My glasses took a chunk of flesh from right under my eye, and the rest of my injuries are mostly on my face too.

'When I got to hospital the doctors told me I had tested positive for Covid - I was negative before I left but it might be what caused the accident.'

After initially being taken to Belford Hospital in Fort William, at the foot of the mountain, Cllr Collett was subsequently transferred to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.

'I must pay tribute to both NHS Scotland and the mountain rescue teams,' he said.

'They were absolutely amazing - as were the other walkers who rushed to my aid. Within moments people had swarmed with foil blankets and first aid supplies.

'At least now I can say that not only did I climb Ben Nevis, but I have the scars to prove it!'

Councillors from across the political spectrum have wished Cllr Collett a swift recovery.

Select committee chairman, Cllr Jonathan Glen, said: 'He's out of hospital now but he did have a very bad fall. We wish him well.'

Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Keith House thanked the NHS for coming to his friend's aid so quickly.

He said: 'Adrian’s spirit of adventure led to a fall on the way down from the top of Ben Nevis.

'After amazing support from mountain rescue and NHS Scotland he is now recovering at home and we wish him well for a speedy recovery.'

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Cllr Rob Humby said: 'We were very concerned to hear of Cllr Collett’s recent accident and on behalf of the authority as a whole, we send our very best wishes to Adrian, and his family, and wish him a full and swift recovery.'