Glenelg MRT formed just after I joined RAF MRT over the years I attended many incidents with them. The late Doctor Cathy McInnes helped form the team. The area they cover is vast and described below. Covering some of the wildest country in the UK. In the early days they were and still have so many locals keepers, forestry workers etc in the team.
We often had some good times and a few bonding sessions after incidents. These were great days and I was in awe of some of the characters I met. These were and still are the people you get in Mountain Rescue great folk. Happy 50 th.
Pictured (right) the newly-formed team taking part in one of the first rescues in 1973, clockwise from left, Charlie MacDonald, electrician; Johnny Cameron, Forestry Commission; Ian ‘Goaty’ MacDonald, Forestry Commission; Iain Campbell, Eileanreach Estate; Allan MacAskill, Forestry Commission; Hugh Ian MacLure, Forestry Commission; Willie MacKenzie, postman; Dr Catherine MacInnes, GP; Duncan Cameron, Forestry Commission; and Allan Morrison, Forestry Commission.
Glenelg Mountain Rescue Team
The Glenelg Mountain Rescue Association was originally established in 1973 by the late Dr Catherine MacInnes (the then local G.P.) to cover the Parish of Glenelg. It completed its registration as a charity in 1974. (Scottish charity registration number – SCO 07565)
Area covered
The Parish takes in the Glenelg peninsula jutting into Loch Duich, then heads east as far as the south side of the Saddle, taking in Arnisdale, and stretching as far south as Loch Morar, taking in Kinlochourn, Barrisdale and Knoydart, an area of approximately 550 square kilometers. Some of the Knoydart peninsula is also covered by our colleagues in the Lochaber MRT because it is such a remote and complex piece of ground. See map
The Team
The team was originally made up of shepherds, stalkers, forestry workers, a doctor and people who generally worked outdoors. This is still true but with a mix of mountaineers, roped access workers, boat masters and many other professions. There are normally 20 to 30 members on the team which is a very large percentage of the community considering the Parish has a population of less than 300.
Funding
Like the other 25 voluntary teams in Scotland, Glenelg MRT gives free service to the members of the public whom request their assistance. All Scottish Mountain Rescue Teams receive grant aid from the Scottish Government and assistance from major sponsors like the Order of St John. We also rely on charitable donations and bequests from members of the public as well as local and national businesses, in order that we may continue to deliver the service we provide.
Finally
Please bear this in mind:
- There is no legal requirement for Glenelg MRT members to assist the public in emergencies.
- There is no commander ordering them to risk their own safety in extreme weather conditions at often hazardous locations.
- They receive no retainer, payment or financial incentives.
They are simply a group of volunteers who provide this service. Any hour, any day, any weather
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