The freshers’ week tradition of climbing Arthur’s Seat took a serious turn on 13 September, when an 18-year-old English Literature student fell and was knocked unconscious, just metres away from the hill’s summit.
Emergency services acted quickly, with a Coastguard helicopter airlifting the student from the scene due to concerns that the individual may have been suffering from a concussion.
The student was taken to hospital and, after assessment by the A&E team, was found to have avoided serious injury, requiring only a few stitches. With a sense of humour, the student later uploaded a TikTok video of the helicopter as it arrived on the summit which has since gone viral, amassing over 300,000 views.
When asked if she would attempt the climb again, the student told sources, “I would.”
This is not the first time rescue crews have been called to the historic extinct volcano. In 2017, crews airlifted a man after a 40-foot fall; more recently, in July 2026, they assisted a walker who fell close to the top.
These incidents will remind all students and visitors to prioritise safety and wear proper footwear when navigating the iconic landmark.
Photo by Ulia Makoveeva for The Student.
