‘Lucky to be alive’: Grateful owner thanks rescuers for saving puppy in Cullen cliff rescue

Bailey almost fell off the cliff several times during his ordeal.

By David Mackay and Lauren Taylor

May 18 2023, 11:47 am

Nicola Jones reunited with Bailey. Image: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

An overjoyed owner of a Collie that became trapped on a cliff near Cullen has paid tribute to the “amazing” rescuers.

Nicola Jones, from Buckie, was walking with a friend when Bailey became separated from them.

The nine-month-old puppy had fallen about half way down a 200ft cliff overlooking Cullen Golf Club near Portknockie.

A four-hour rescue operation ensued, involving coastguard and fire service crews, to get Bailey off the ledge and safely back into the grateful arms of his owner.

Bailey almost fell off cliff

Rescuers used ropes to reach Bailey while the puppy was precariously perched on the ledge.

There were anxious moments for Mrs Jones as she watched the dramatic cliff rescue near Cullen.

But following the operation, she praised the dedication of rescuers to save Bailey – and bought them all ice cream to say thank you.

The successful rescue team with Bailey after the operation. Image: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

She said: “The firefighter mentioned they had trained for things like this but not had the chance to work together with other services in operation.

“I’m truly grateful to all those involved. My friend and I were taking a usual walk and in seconds Bailey was away.

“He’s so very lucky to be alive. He was on the cliff for four hours.

“It was quite the ordeal. Bailey almost came off the cliff several times but luckily he didn’t. I can’t thank everyone involved enough, they were amazing.”

Emergency services worked together in rescue

Emergency services were called shortly after 11am today to reports that Bailey was in trouble.

Fire crews from Buckie, Banff and Aberdeen were all sent with a specialist line rescue unit.

Bailey was trapped about halfway up the cliff between Cullen and Portknockie. Image: Nicola Jones

However, due to difficulties accessing the area, fire crews also worked with coastguard teams from Macduff and Burghead in the Cullen cliff rescue operation.

Chay Ewing, the fire service’s area commander for Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray, said: “This incident also demonstrates how we work closely with our other emergency service partners, such as HM Coastguard.

“As a humanitarian organisation, SFRS crews use their technical training and expertise as well as specialist equipment to rescue animals. This can prevent members of the public placing themselves at risk by trying to effect their own rescue.”