This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Public money for mountain rescue
17/11/2003
Public support for Scotland's mountain rescue teams is
to be increased four-fold with immediate effect.
First Minister Jack McConnell said that by raising the
annual contribution to £400,000 Scots and tourists will be
able to enjoy the mountains in greater safety.
The First Minister was speaking in Ballater where
he also announced that funding will be made available to
upgrade the role of Mountain Safety Adviser to a full-time
position.
Mr McConnell said:
"Scotland's mountains are one of our greatest natural
assets and are enjoyed by many thousands of Scots and
tourists alike. They play a vital role in tourism and in
growing the economy of the Highlands and Islands.
"But they can also be dangerous places. That is why we
are increasing the funding for the teams who regularly save
lives on Scotland's mountains. They commit so much of their
own time and money, often risking their own lives.
"It is only right that we support them. I know from my
visit to meet the Cairngorms Mountain Rescue Team in March,
that equipment has become more expensive and fundraising
more difficult.
"This new money will make sure that teams across
Scotland will be better trained, have access to better
equipment and will be better served to carry on the
incredible work that they do."
Nick Forwood, Chairman of the Mountain Rescue Committee
of Scotland, said:
"We very much welcome the fact that the Executive has
recognised the funding pressures that we face by making
this significant financial contribution.
"It is particularly welcome that an agreement has been
reached that will guarantee that the new funds will benefit
mountain rescue teams in all parts of the country - and
that it will be available immediately.
"While this new money will help us meet many of our
increasing commitments, we still remain voluntary
organisations and as such continue to depend on support
from the public. As we move into another winter season the
vital role that our volunteers play becomes increasingly
apparent."
Issuing the annual winter mountain safety message, the
First Minister said:
"The beauty of Scotland's hills and mountains -
particularly in the winter months - acts as a draw to many
thousands of people. It is important that everyone who
visits the hills for a relaxing walk or a challenging climb
pays full attention to the expert advice that is
available.
"Above all, people should be properly prepared. Take the
correct equipment and take heed of the weather and local
information. Being able to recognise that conditions are
beyond your limits is a skill in itself. It is a skill that
may be a life saver."
Mountain rescue funding
Police forces are responsible for mainland search and
rescue in Scotland, and many forces already contribute
support to the volunteer mountain rescue teams in their
area. The total amount of this funding provided is
currently around £100,000.
Responsibility for dividing the money between all
mountain rescue teams in Scotland will fall to the police.
ACPOS has agreed to work with the MRCofS to establish a
simple but fair method of distribution so that funding is
provided to all teams on an equitable basis, taking account
of each team's geographical coverage and workload. To
ensure that the funding is fairly spread across Scotland,
where forces run their own teams it will be possible for
them to receive a share of the funding on the same basis as
the volunteer teams.
With the agreement of their local police force, each
volunteer mountain rescue team will be free to decide its
priorities for the use of its share of the money.
This new cash injection is in addition to the £300,000
contribution to the cost of upgrading mountain rescue radio
equipment, promised by the First Minister in March. The MR
Committee of Scotland is still considering its plans for
this radio upgrade, in collaboration with the Executive and
other interested parties.
The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) has the
responsibility for communicating the mountain safety
message among all those who enjoy the Scottish hills. The
MCofS currently receives a sportscotland development grant
of £32,000 per annum.
For more information about safety in the mountains
contact the Mountaineering Council of Scotland - Tel:
01738-638227 and for information on training, contact
Glenmore Lodge - Tel: 01479 861256.