What's happened
A nine-month-old cygnet was rescued from ice at Easter Craiglockhart Hill by fire crews and the Scottish SPCA. Separately, a man stranded on an inflatable mattress in the Firth of Forth was rescued by RNLI volunteers after falling into 7°C water. Both incidents highlight the dangers of cold weather and unsafe water activities today, 13 Jan 2026.
What's behind the headline?
The recent rescues reveal the ongoing hazards of winter weather in Scotland. The fire service's intervention to save the cygnet demonstrates the importance of professional rescue teams in animal emergencies, preventing public risk. The incident involving the man on the inflatable mattress underscores the dangers of using unsuitable equipment in open water, especially in cold temperatures. These events highlight the need for public awareness about water safety and the risks of winter activities. The repeated calls for rescue suggest that local authorities should consider increased public education and possibly stricter regulations on water-based recreation during cold weather. As climate patterns shift, such incidents are likely to become more frequent, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and safety measures for both humans and wildlife.
What the papers say
The Scotsman reports the rescue of a cygnet trapped on ice at Easter Craiglockhart Hill, emphasizing the role of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish SPCA in preventing animal suffering. Sky News details the rescue of a man who fell into the Firth of Forth on an inflatable mattress, highlighting the dangers of inappropriate watercraft in cold conditions. Both articles stress the importance of checking weather and tide conditions before engaging in outdoor activities and the critical role of emergency services in winter rescue operations. The Scotsman's coverage focuses on community concern and animal welfare, while Sky News emphasizes water safety and public awareness. These contrasting perspectives underscore the multifaceted nature of winter emergencies in Scotland, combining animal rescue with human safety concerns.
How we got here
Recent cold snaps in Edinburgh and surrounding areas have increased incidents involving animals and people in distress. The Scottish SPCA and emergency services have responded to multiple calls, including a swan trapped on ice and a man stranded at sea on an inflatable mattress. These events underscore the risks posed by freezing weather and unsafe water activities during winter.
Go deeper
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Cramond Island is one of several islands in the Firth of Forth in eastern Scotland, near Edinburgh. It lies off the foreshore at Cramond. It is 1⁄3 mile long and covers 19.03 acres. The island is part of the Dalmeny Estate, owned by the Rosebery Estates
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Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and one of its 32 council areas. Historically part of the county of Midlothian, it is located in Lothian on the Firth of Forth's southern shore.