Mountain rescue teams across Scotland are being given access to a 24-hour support programme to help them cope with traumatic incidents.
The employee assistance programme is already used by police officers and backroom staff.
Now Police Scotland are to extend the service to mountain rescue teams who work-hand-in-hand with them on a regular basis.
It is estimated that there are around 1,000 active volunteers willing to provide support during heavy snowfall or major incidents in all parts of the country who will benefit.
Assistant Chief Constable Nelson Telfer said: “We have a fantastic relationship with mountain rescue teams in Scotland and rely on their skills and expertise throughout the year.
“We work together on a variety of incidents, which can include missing or lost people searches where access or terrain is difficult.
“They also provide support in floods, during heavy snowfall and other major incidents often in very remote areas.
“Mountain rescue teams are made up of volunteers, police and RAF personnel and the incidents they deal with can be traumatic.
“Our commitment to funding this service highlights how highly we value their help and health and wellbeing.”
The programme offers emotional support and guidance from trained members of staff who have prior experience in working with the emergency services.
Steve Penny, chairman of the Scottish Mountain Rescue Wellbeing Group, welcomed its extension.
He said: “Access to the assistance programme for all mountain rescue team members and their families across Scotland is a significant step forward in helping to maintain the health and wellbeing of our volunteers.
“This is a key building block of a larger package of support that we will champion within teams.
“We are extremely grateful to Police Scotland for the commitment to support mountain rescue volunteers in this way.
He added: “This type of national agreement is yet to be achieved in other parts of the UK and we are pleased that Scotland is leading the way.”
