Mountain rescuers take on fundraising hill challenge for life-saving equipment

Leaders from Scotland’s busiest mountain rescue team are taking to the hills around Lochaber in an epic fundraising challenge to help buy vital life-saving equipment.

Team leader Iain Murray and deputy Astie Cameron are running and biking around 330km, and tackling 11,000m of ascent on foot around their patch to meet spiralling costs of running the rescue service.

The pair aim to raise £10,000 to help secure the team’s future.

With visitor numbers doubling in the area the last 20 years, call-outs are hitting record numbers, putting extra pressure on the Lochaber Mountain Rescue team’s 45 volunteers.

Iain and Astey plot their route STV News

“We’ve got a big funding effort. We need a new van, communications equipment and pick-up, which cost a significant amount of money,” Iain said.

“There are also training costs, clothing, equipment. It doesn’t get any cheaper.”

It comes as the team have experienced record call-outs with around 165 recorded last year.

This year so far there have been 85, putting the total around two months ahead on last year.

“Our call-out numbers are up significantly over the last 15 years – they’re almost double,” Iain said.

Astie added: “We’re shaping up for another busy year.”

The Lochaber round will take in Creag Meagaidh in the east, south to the Mamores, across Ardnamuchan and north into Knoydart, with remote glens, mountain peaks and a sea crossing along the way.

Iain predicts the final stretch of the route will be the most difficult.

Iain and Astie will cycle and run around 330km STV News

“By the time we get there we’ll be absolutely knackered. On that stretch it’s Corrour, Loch Treig, all over the Grey Corries, back over the Ben.”

The pair say they wouldn’t be able to tackle the feat without support from their friends and colleagues for logistics.

Iain said: “It’s quite a significant challenge, certainly for us. We’re getting bikes moved to one place or the other. We’ve got friends and members coming along to make sure we’re alright and keep us fed. Who knows what state we’ll end up in as we make our way around.”

Astie added: “We’re working in this extreme environment all the time, so it becomes a way to hang out with your mates. You always become close with your team-mates.”

Supporters will be able to follow the pair’s adventures here.