Team Leader's Report 2020
Reading through last years report its hard to believe what was to come. 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone. However, the pandemic has brought its own unique challenges to the team.
How we train and operate has had to be continually adapted to the ongoing restrictions. Online training and small hill groups have become the new normal. The team have adapted to these challenges with the same level of professionalism that I may have taken for granted in normal times and for that I am extremely grateful.
There has been no shortage of team members going the extra mile to ensure everything is in place to allow the team to run in the most safe and efficient way possible. I’d like to say a special thank you Dr Alastair Glennie. As Scottish Mountain Rescues current Medical Officer he has been instrumental in providing guidance and advice to not only our team but all teams at a national level at a time when he could have been forgiven for concentrating on his job as a GP.
Luckily, with the exception of a three-week period during September and October I am for once glad to say that our callouts have been lower than average. Credit goes to members of the public who have followed government guidance. When we have had a call out the team have deployed in smaller groups. This ensures we can keep the team operational even if one group has to self-isolate. This has been logistically challenging but the safety of team members is paramount. This way of attending a call out does increase the time it takes for the team to get to a casualty and safely evacuate them from the hill; something that should be considered by hill goers when packing a bag.
2020 should have seen the team celebrate our 50th sponsored walk. However, like most others organising events we have had to postpone for another year. As the team’s main fundraiser, it is an obvious blow however we look forward to welcoming everyone back for an even bigger walk in 2022.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters for your continued donations. Without you we would not be able to continue providing assistance to those that require our help. Thank you.
The final thank you goes to all the family and colleagues of our mountain rescue volunteers because without your support and understanding none of this would be possible.
I for one will not take for granted the ability to enjoy our hills in future and I look forward to seeing everyone out there again.
Keep Safe
Stuart Warrender
