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.