AN APP designed to help explore Scotland’s winter mountains will be launched this year in memory of a Clacks man who died in an avalanche.

The programme aims to keep people safe by providing daily avalanche forecasts in the hope of preventing any more tragedies in the future.

Funding for the app, called Be Avalanche Aware, has come from Glencoe Ski Club and a fund set up in the name of Daniel Maddox, who was killed in 2013.

The Coalsnaughton man was 41 when he went missing on the Etive Glades run near the Glencoe ski centre. His body was found 24 hours later under 13ft of snow and ice.

Launched this December, the free app will have images and video clips of features that could suggest avalanche risk as well as a location map in relation to the risk.

Mark Diggans, co-ordinator for Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS), said there was always the intention to make an app but the funding is now in place to make it a reality.

He said: “The mountains are not without hazards and so the SAIS and other UK mountain agencies developed an initiative called “Be Avalanche Aware”.

“This was originally in the form of a leaflet that outlined the decision making process and the important, fundamental considerations that are so important to know when venturing into the winter mountains.

“It has always been our intention to develop this into an app which would provide a smartphone tool for all mountain users but we did not have the funds to develop it.

“The funding from the Glencoe Ski Club and the Daniel Maddox Fund following the tragic loss of Daniel in the winter of 2013.

“I believe that this funding has fundamentally helped us create something that will be of great benefit to all those venturing into the winter landscape, providing a framework that helps with the planning process and with useful tools that help determine where you are in relation to any avalanche hazard that may be present.

“I am pleased that out of something so tragic, some good has been produced which will help all those who love the winter mountains, enjoy the mountains even more.”

Kevin Mitchell from the Ochils Mountain Rescue Team said he and his fellow volunteers were “saddened” to hear of Daniel’s death almost four years ago.

He added: “It is a little known fact that there are a significant number of avalanches during the Scottish winter, even in the Ochil hills.

“It is fitting that such a positive message of safety can come from this tragic event and we would commend all those involved for their insight and hardwork.”

Anyone in need of assistance while climbing is reminded to dial 999 and ask for police and THEN for mountain rescue.