An eventful day! We made an early start to beat the crowds in Beinn Udlaidh but there were still plenty of folk ahead of us. With the majority of the routes we were interested in already busy we headed up to have a look at some steep ice above Sunshine Gully. We were able to link together several steepish cascades and all was going well until just 10' below the cornice a piece of ice hit a climber below us fair and square in the face. We stayed where we were to avoid sending any more debris their way while his partner quickly lowered him to the base of the crag helped by another team who had heard his cries. There were fears for his eye sight so they quickly set off for the valley floor with his head heavily bandaged. We topped out through an awkward and insecure cornice and I made a quick descent to catch them up in the forest. They were making good time and didn't need any further help making a hasty departure to Oban A&E. Fortunately there was no permanent damage to his eye sight but he did receive 18 stitches to a deep gash below his right eye. Just on e of the risks of ice climbing especially at a busy crag but well done to everyone involved for a very efficient self rescue.
Today was also a service of celebration for the life of Ed Grindley, a Mountain Guide and a legend of the British climbing scene who passed away recently after a brief illness. The UKC forums produced a number of memories of a life lived to the full. RIP.
