Members of Kintail Mountain Rescue Team in training
Mountain rescuers in need of a new headquarters will be heading north, and south, east and west, in a quest to raise cash for the new building.
Members of the Kintail Mountain Rescue Team will be hitting the road later this month in a challenge to cycle the four cardinal compass points from their base in north-west Scotland.
The team currently operates out of an old byre and garage at Morvich, at the head of Loch Duich. The first fundraising effort of their campaign for a purpose-built base will involve members touring the compass points, heading towards Dunnet Head in the North; Peterhead in the East; the Mull of Galloway in the South, and Ardnamurchan in the West.
The team estimates it will involve 1,930km (1,200 miles) of travelling and 9,750m (32,000ft) of ascent. The cyclists will undertake the routes in a continuous relay, with riders on the road 24 hours a day until they reach their destinations, before returning to Morvich.
The team's present headquarters at Morvich
Team leader Chris Nixon said: “The existing buildings are expensive to maintain and don’t provide the facilities needed to run an efficient front-line emergency service.
“KMRT is seeking to construct new team premises that will provide them with a facility that will ensure that those who require their assistance get a professional service.
“While the team receives some contributions from the police and Scottish Government towards its running costs, it still relies on public donations and fundraising activities to enable them to operate to the high standards expected. Current funding levels are not enough to allow any capital investment to be considered, hence the need for this appeal.
The rescuers train for avalanche search
“We are looking to attract donations from anyone who is willing to help, from individuals willing to donate a few pounds or run a fundraising event right through to large businesses willing to sponsor us or who can provide other sorts of help.”
The team is also looking for a suitable vehicle, such as a camper van, that can accompany the riders and enable them to rest en route.
The event is due to start on 21 May and the cyclists aim to be back in Kintail by 26 May.
Kintail MRT has an online donation link on its website, and can be contacted via the site.
The rescuers have also set up a blog covering the Kintail Compass Challenge, which they hope to update as they tackle the route.
The team covers the area in Wester Ross between Loch Ness and the west coast, from Loch Quoich in the South to Achnasheen in the North. Its territory has 37 munros and includes some of the most remote areas in Britain.
