New Team Base

The team has long dreamed of having somewhere to call home, a dedicated facility to maintain expensive equipment, garage vehicle and meeting/ training facilities. Planning permission was granted earlier this year for a building on the outskirts of Laragh. The building will have a strong emphasise on the environment and blend into its surroundings.

The team was originally formed in February 1983 by local people with a strong connection to the mountains after a number of incidents including a fatality had occurred in quick succession. Early in its’ history, the team became a Red Cross unit and has continued this bond over the years.

Since its formation the team has developed and evolved to become specialised in all aspects of Search & Rescue in a mountainous environment: Search Management, Technical Rescue (Cliffs & Steep ground), Swift Water Rescue and Emergency Medical First Responders. The team can operate in the most extreme weather conditions, in the most remote locations and at any time of day or night.

The team has been involved in an estimated 1,200 call-outs over their 25 years in existence, averaging almost 1 call-out per week. Couple that with weekly training, add on team meetings, fundraising activities and you get the idea of the type of commitment team members need. Most amazing of all is that these team members don’t receive a cent for their time. They are not on retainers, they operate on a wholly voluntary basis.