Moray MP Douglas Ross recently met with the Chair of Scottish Mountain Rescue and Leader of Oban Mountain Rescue, Damon Powell at Glenmore Lodge, Aviemore. Also present was Shaun Roberts the Principal of Glenmore Lodge and Team leader of the Glenmore Lodge Mountain Rescue Team.
High on the agenda was the big increase in rescues following the lifting of restrictions during the covid pandemic. Douglas learned that over this period many more people accessed the mountain ranges and wild open space.
Scottish Mountain Rescue was founded in 1965 and represents 25 volunteer mountain rescue teams comprising over 850 volunteers who give of their time freely. During the meeting Douglas was informed of the challenges faced by the mountain rescue teams including their funding, which is sourced primarily through fundraising as they are all registered charities.
Shaun provided Douglas with an update on the role of Glenmore Lodge as Sportscotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre and he briefed him on the training and support the facility offers to all those venturing into our great outdoors.
Douglas said “It was great to have had the opportunity to visit Scottish Mountain Rescue at Glenmore Lodge and I was given a first hand insight into the marvellous work carried out by our mountain rescue teams across Scotland including the RAF Mountain Rescue Teams based locally.
“I was keen to see their base at Glenmore Lodge and discuss a range of challenges all the volunteers face as they try to keep people safe and rescue those who need it. These volunteers give of their own time freely to look after and rescue those in need visiting our great outdoors, be that on the low ground or on our mountain peaks.
“The one clear message I took away from my visit was that we all are encouraged to enjoy our outdoors, but in doing so make sure you are prepared and ready to face the terrain and weather that will await you.”
Damon Powell added “I am grateful to Douglas for taking the time to come and meet us, and find out more about the work of Scottish Mountain Rescue and our member teams. We appreciated the opportunity to raise awareness within the policy landscape of the work of our volunteer Mountain Rescue Teams who are available any hour, any day and any weather.
“I enjoyed meeting Douglas and sharing information about our history, how our teams operate, the impact of the pandemic on teams and how the public really getting behind teams and supporting them makes our work possible. It was also good to be able to show him the Glenmore Lodge Mountain Rescue Team base and some of the rescue equipment used by teams.”