Scottish Mountain Rescue has received more than £20,000 from the Scottish Government to help secure its radio network.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson announced the funding to “future-proof” the organisation’s “logistically difficult” communications.
The organisation said it was “very grateful” for the £24,000 which “will enable teams to continue the voluntary life-saving mountain rescue service”.
Founded in 1965, Scottish Mountain Rescue has over 1,000 volunteers serving 27 rescue, dog and cave teams.
Latest figures show that, in 2014, the organisation assisted 608 people over a total of 552 incidents, committing nearly 22,000 man hours to assist those stranded on Scotland’s often-treacherous peaks.
Mr Matheson said: “Recent events on the mountains have demonstrated clearly that mountain rescue team volunteers provide a vital public service, assisting in difficult searches and rescues, maximising survival chances and saving many lives every year.
“Rescue teams provide an outstanding service to communities and those venturing into Scotland’s mountains, hills and rural areas.
“That’s why I am delighted to award an additional £24,000 to Scottish Mountain Rescue to begin the logistically difficult, but necessary process of future-proofing all of their VHF radios.
“This will allow vital communication between team members in remote areas as well as with helicopter support teams.
“Since the turn of the year, we have seen some very difficult mountain conditions in Scotland.
“I want to take this opportunity to remind anyone considering walking, climbing or taking part in any other activities in the mountains to take extra care.”
Damon Powell, Chair of Scottish Mountain Rescue, responded: “Scottish Mountain Rescue Teams are very grateful for the Scottish Government’s additional financial support.
“This will enable teams to continue the voluntary life-saving mountain rescue service, provided to those who may be in need of its assistance, in Scotland’s hills and remote places.
“Scottish Mountain Rescue Teams are proud to provide a world-class voluntary search and rescue service 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, free at point of delivery.
“I am deeply grateful to all of the teams and other partner responders who continue to provide a vital public service for Scotland’s local communities.”
Since 2004, the Scottish Government has provided at least £300,000 every year in grant funding to Scottish Mountain Rescue, amounting to more than £3.5 million.
