The “vital” need to ensure the country’s civilian mountain rescue teams are properly equipped has been highlighted by a Perthshire-based politician.
Liz Smith, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, has called on the Scottish Government to factor the communication and logistical support needs of all such organisations into its plans for a single Scottish police force.
Ms Smith, who recently trained with volunteers from Tayside Mountain Rescue to mark its 40th anniversary, has tabled a motion at Holyrood in support of the important work such groups carry out.
The voluntary emergency service provides 24-hour cover across the region, saving lives in very difficult terrain.
Rescuers work with state-of-the-art equipment and attend training to develop a vast range of skills, including pre-hospital care, wilderness and water search and rescue, assisting with suicides and dealing with people with mental health issues.
“Scotland’s mountain rescue teams are an extremely important part of our emergency services provision,” Ms Smith said.
“They are largely staffed by volunteers who display both outstanding professionalism and expertise, and who are prepared to take on some extremely challenging situations to provide as much support as possible for all those who venture into the hills and mountains.”
She added: “In recent weeks it has been a privilege for me to undertake some work with Tayside Mountain Rescue and to learn about the specific challenges its members face at a time of impending reform to the police, our other emergency service, and to local government structures.
“The communication equipment which many of Scotland’s mountain rescue teams use and rely on is currently generously provided by Scotland’s eight police forces and emergency services.
“Given the pressure already placed on the funding pots of Scotland’s mountain rescue teams, I am seeking an assurance from the Scottish Government that any future developments and upgrades of emergency service communication equipment undertaken by the new single police force will take into account all needs and provisions and include the volunteers in any planning.”