International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day
To mark International Women’s Day 2022, Scottish Mountain Rescue thought it would be a great idea to introduce some of our female team members, who share their experiences of joining and being part of a mountain rescue team in Scotland.
We asked Angie Kinghorn about being a team member of Border Search and Rescue Unit.
Do you hold a position in team, e.g. Equipment Officer?
Over the years, I’ve been Training Officer and have previously covered social media for the team. I’m currently stick leader for the northern area that the team covers. Through Covid we’ve been doing some training in area groups and if we get a call out up here, I can get things up and running as team vehicles with extra kit are on route.
How long have you been part of MR?
I joined the team in 2009.
Why did you join mountain rescue?
A chance meeting with some team members who were manning a stall at my local farmers’ market is where it all began for me. At that point, being a keen hill walker and having done some winter skills and climbing training, I was spending more and more of my time in the hills. I got chatting to the then Secretary and Medical Officer and, after discussing the types of searches and rescues that BSARU are involved with, they encouraged me to submit an application form.
What is the best bit about being in MR?
I’ve made some brilliant friends and had some incredible experiences along the way. One of the best bits has been learning from the old hands – there’s so much knowledge and experience in the team. And now that I’ve been in the team a fair time, passing on some of that knowledge to some of our newer team members and seeing their skills and confidence develop can be very rewarding.
What’s the most memorable thing you’ve done with MR?
It’s hard to pin it down to just one memory. The rescues where we know we’ve made a difference, where we know we’ve saved a life – they’re the ones that stand out.
Aside from that, attending the UK Mountain Rescue Conference in Aviemore in 2013 – sharing ideas, practices and ceilidh skills with team members from around the country is up there!
And being out in the Dolomites when BSARU participated in the Dolomiti Rescue Race has to make the list too. I was nursing an injury so couldn’t take part but to see competitors from teams across Europe combine MR skills with a race across the mountains, that was fun! I encourage folks from other teams to get involved. It would be fantastic to see an all-female SMR team in the mix!
If someone were considering to join a team but they aren’t sure they have enough experience or knowledge, what would you advise?
When I got chatting to the guys at the farmers’ market, I really didn’t think I had enough experience to join a rescue team. The probationary process helped to build on the skills I already had, and taught me so much more. Everyone comes into MR with something different to offer and the mix of backgrounds and specialties are what makes a team work. If you can commit the time, look after yourself on the hill and can work as part of a team, give it a try. We have recruitment days where you can come along and spend a day in the hills with some of the team. It gives folks a chance to ask questions and find out more before they commit to anything.
What occupation do you have outside of MR?
When I joined the team, I was working in early years in a primary school. These days, I’m an outdoor instructor, showing primary aged kids how much fun they can have in the great outdoors.
How do you manage to fit the commitments to the team around your work and family life?
There was a spell when callouts seemed to coincide with family events. In one year, we had shouts on both my parents and my brother’s birthdays, I disappeared fast from an anniversary meal, and missed a good friend’s 40th.
We were kinship carers for a short time and it was challenging to fit training and shouts around the kids, my work and my partner’s shifts. I take my hat off to folks who juggle full time family life with mountain rescue.
What do you enjoy doing outside of MR and work?
When I was in the classroom all day, I’d be clamouring to get outside at the weekends no matter what the weather. To the hills – hiking or skiing, on the bike, or taking the canoe somewhere to get paddling. These days, if it’s been a soggy week at work, I might be more inclined to curl up with a good book – usually something that might inspire the next adventure. My bookshelves are full of maps, travel guides and mountaineers’ biographies.