Scotland’s busiest mountain rescue team has been overwhelmed by the response to a plea for community support to replace vital emergency equipment.
Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team’s radios are over 12 years-old and need replacing because of “an increasing issue with reliability and robustness…which could compromise safety and rescues”.
The volunteers attend around 100 call-outs each year and included in their patch is Ben Nevis which attracts more than 100,000 walkers and climbers every year alone.
The cost of the new radios is around £130,000 and, as part of the conditions of obtaining funding, the Lochaber team members have to demonstrate community support for their bid.
They launched an appeal on social media and have been swamped by the responses received so far.
One team member said his “head was mince” trying to keep up with all the emails that are flooding in.
A team spokesman said: “We have researched the best options available and would like to thank the rescue teams in the Lake District who have advised us of their trials and experience with digital radio systems.
“Based on this and the requirements for radio provision, we have come to the view that the following considerations are important: simplicity of use and performance.
“They must be waterproof and robust with an extended battery life, have GPS capability for tracking team members and connectivity with our current systems.
“We have engaged Alan Jones Associates to see if they can source funds for replacing the radios. They have submitted a bid on our behalf to the Viridor Scottish Landfill Communities Fund – an independent not-for-profit organisation – and it has now passed stage one of the process.
“One of the requirements of the next stage is that we can demonstrate community support for our bid. The more support we can receive, the stronger our bid will be.”
Anyone who would like to support the team’s bid should email fundraising@lochabermrt.co.uk
The spokesman added: “We would also like similar support for our sister team in the Cairngorms. They have had a busy week with some very technical rescues in difficult conditions.”
The Lochaber Mountain Rescue team’s funding bid must be completed by the end of June.