This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New mountain rescue radio vehicle
15/11/2004
A new radio vehicle to be available to all
Scotland's mountain rescue teams was unveiled in Aviemore
today.
The vehicle - based at Inverness but moved around the
country as required - was bought with a £160,000 grant from
the Executive.
It will improve communication between rescue teams and
assist communication between the teams and other emergency
services that use the new digital Airwave radio
systems.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said:
"Our hills and mountains are a great asset for this
country, attracting thousands of visitors and tourists from
home and abroad to beautiful, rural Scotland.
"Unfortunately, there may be occasions when even the
most experienced climbers can get into difficulty in the
hills and require life-saving help and treatment from our
mountain rescue teams.
"We are determined to ensure that those hard-working,
dedicated volunteers, who often have to operate in
horrendous weather conditions, receive the support they
need to carry out this valuable work, that includes
ensuring that they are equipped with the latest
technology.
"That is why in July we provided an additional £400,000
for new state-of-the art radio equipment and why we have
now provided a further £160,000 for the new radio vehicle
which will work alongside the new radio sets and help
improve co-ordination of rescue work between the teams and
other emergency services.
"However, creating better prepared rescue teams must not
send a message that climbers and walkers can be complacent.
I would urge anyone thinking about visiting the mountains
for recreation - particularly at this time of year - to
play their part in improving mountain safety.
"They should ensure they are properly equipped for the
planned excursion and the constantly changing snow, ice and
weather conditions. Leave an indication of their planned
route, and estimated time of return, and be realistic about
their own abilities before setting out.
"They should also obtain an up-to-date weather forecast,
seek advice from the sportscotland Avalanche Information
Service, and ensure they obtain any relevant local
information on prevailing mountain conditions.
"Taking such simple but important steps will help cut
injuries and deaths on the hills this winter and reduce the
number of calls out for our mountain rescue
volunteers."
Nick Forwood, Chairman of the Mountain Rescue Committee
of Scotland, said:
"The provision of an Incident Control &
Communications Support Unit will enable the better
co-ordination and management of Inland Search & Rescue
incidents and be a significant factor in the building of a
communications infrastructure for Scottish Mountain
Rescue.
"The Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland is very
encouraged by the commitment of the Scottish Executive to
Mountain Rescue through the funding which they have made
available and their acknowledgement of the voluntary effort
of Mountain Rescue Teams in Scotland."
Mountain rescue teams have independent charitable status
and that in addition to the funding provided by the
Executive, substantial support is received in the form of
charitable donations.
The largest donor is the Order of St John which has
provided a new off road vehicle to every team in Scotland
and some teams have also received funding for new rescue
bases/buildings.