Moore: Mountain Rescue Teams "Will get Support" from UK Government
The Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore has underlined the UK Government's commitment to supporting mountain rescue teams and the essential role they play in protecting the lives of the public.
The Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore has underlined the UK Government’s commitment to supporting mountain rescue teams and the essential role they play in protecting the lives of the public.
Speaking on a visit to the Highlands where he met the Glencoe Mountain Rescue team, the Minister said the safety of people climbing and touring in the Highlands is only protected by the dedication and bravery of specialised rescue personnel.
Moore said that the UK Government has made it clear it has listened to the concerns of rescue professionals over the cost of equipment.
He added that the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander had told the Commons funds had been allocated to help mountain rescue teams with the issue and that the Department for Transport will make an announcement in due course.
The Secretary of State met the team’s leader John Grieve and other members of staff at the Glencoe Rescue Centre to hear more about their work and the challenges they face and their plans for the future.
The Glencoe Mountain Rescue team is one of the longest established in Scotland and is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.
Michael Moore said: “The work of mountain rescue teams is a matter of life and death for those they help and the teams play a key role in very difficult circumstances.
“As a government, we are aware of their dedication to keeping the public safe and we have listened to their concerns. The Treasury has given a clear signal it will act to support mountain rescue teams and the details will come forward in the near future. This will help volunteers with the costs of their equipment and I am sure it will be welcomed.
“We are all aware of the pressure the teams face to operate 24 hours a day over such a large area and it is to their the immense credit they do such a professional and dedicated job.”