This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
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.