Assynt Mountain Rescue Team become a lifesaving flying squad thanks to a big-hearted donor
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A generous gift of £14,000 has allowed Assynt Mountain Rescue Team to purchase two state-of-the-art drones, described as “a game changer” for rescue in the far north.
Equipped with infra-red thermal-imaging cameras and other devices, the “eyes in the sky” can venture into areas that would otherwise be dangerous for rescuers, giving a greater all-round view and night-time capability.
Team leader Tim Hamlet said the drones were capable of giving a 1km radius view and flying up to 31 minutes.
In addition to himself, six people in the 30-strong team have now been trained as operators, and the additional flying service went operational this week.
“This a game changer for the team and for mountain rescue in the area,” he said.
“You can put a drone in places where you can’t put people because of the danger, especially at night.
“It gives us an improved night and day capability. The donor wishes to remain anonymous and the gift came out of the blue. They approached us and they have been a long-time fantastic supporter of the team.”
Mr Hamlet added that the team had received tremendous back-up from Search and Rescue Aerial Association – Scotland in the training.
Operators have night-time goggles linked to the drones to receive and determine images in darkness.
In a separate development the team is also set to become key guinea pigs for the next generation of outdoor clothing.
Manufacturer Helly Hansen is traditionally associated with water sports, but is keen to develop a high- end outdoor hiking range, and has approached mountain rescue teams to trial the new gear, with Assynt one of two chosen in Scotland, alongside Arrochar.
Mr Hamlet said it had signed what he called a “phenomenal” three-year deal with the firm.
“We have 30 members who normally would have to kit themselves out, and we would have to raise the money,” he said.
“This deal is worth about £40,000. It is amazing.
“We will be kitted out with everything – full mountain waterproof and shell jackets, gilets, hiking and other trousers – all high-end gear. We will then give feedback to Helly Hansen on its performance and any adjustments we think are necessary.
“This is a very important deal because so much of clothing sold for the Scottish outdoors does not cut it, or does not perform well enough, because it is tested in places like the Alps which have a drier climate.”
The team normally responds to between 12 and 18 call outs a year, mainly in the summer shoulder months where the weather catches out a number of hill walkers.
It also regularly trains in all weathers.
“They could not have picked a better place to test their new equipment – we have to deal with all extremes of weather and cover such a huge area,” Mr Hamlet said.
“We probably have the biggest patch of any mountain rescue team in Scotland.”
Scottish Mountain Rescue this week issued a warning to walkers not to get caught out as days get shorter.
In a statement it said: “Over recent months there has been an increase in the number of mountain incidents across Scotland, and now autumn is in full swing, we’d like to remind people venturing into the hills to check your kit to ensure you are fully prepared.
“Ensure you have suitable clothing for any weather conditions you may encounter and have within your rucksack a spare warm layer (jacket, fleece), spare gloves, hat and extra food.
“In addition to that it is important to have a map for the area you are walking in, a compass – know how to use it – and a torch and spare batteries.”
