The Glenelg Mountain Rescue Association was originally established in 1973 by the late Dr Catherine MacInnes (the then local G.P.) to cover the Parish of Glenelg. It completed its registration as a charity in 1974.

Area covered

The Parish takes in the Glenelg peninsula on the West Coast opposite the Isle of Skye. It juts into Loch Duich, then heads East as far as the South side of the Saddle, taking in Arnisdale and stretching up to Kinlochourn and across to Barrisdale and Knoydart, an area of approximately 550 square kilometres. Some of the remote Knoydart peninsula is also covered by our colleagues in the Lochaber MRT because it is such a remote and complex piece of ground.

The Team can also be called to assist other local teams, typically Kintail, Skye and Torridon

The Team

The team was originally made up of shepherds, stalkers, forestry workers, a doctor and people who generally worked outdoors. This is still true but with a mix of mountaineers, roped access workers, boat masters and many other professions. There are normally 20 to 30 members on the team which is a very large percentage of the community considering the Parish has a population of less than 300.

Training

Frequent training sessions are arranged, from 4×4 driving courses to Casualty care, rope work and navigation. Training in conjunction with Bristows SAR helicopters is also practised. This year (2019) saw the introduction of a Team Drone Pilot (with others planned) through SARAA, training will also be given to team members as drone spotters/observers. A new drone with applicable equipment has now been ordered.