Highlands & Islands MSP Emma Roddick visited the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team base in Aviemore this week.

As part of her busy recess schedule, Ms Roddick was shown around the base by team leader Iain Cornfoot who explained the team’s process for handling callouts and what rescue missions around the Cairngorms can involve.

The Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team provides assistance to injured or lost persons in and around the Cairngorm Mountains and is made up entirely of volunteers who give their time to help those in need of aid in the mountains.

Ms Roddick expressed her admiration for the team’s dedication to protecting those who find themselves in trouble in and around the vast Cairngorms area and said it was heartening to hear how generous the community is in ensuring that the team continues to operate.

She said:

“I had a great afternoon with Iain at the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team base learning all about the work he and his team carry out across the area.

“It was so interesting to hear how much callouts can vary and what always being ready for any situation involves. The dedication of the team here really is so impressive.

“I was also really pleased to hear how supportive the community here is. Iain explained that they simply wouldn’t be able to operate without the generosity of locals, and about a member of the community who had recently gifted the team a drone that will help massively with some of their rescue missions, but that they couldn’t have purchased alone.

“Seeing communities coming together to look after and protect one another really is one of the best parts of my job.

“I am so grateful to Iain for taking the time to show me around the base and tell me about the incredible work they do here.”