Dog handlers from SARDA Scotland and members of Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team at the Glencoe site. Photo: Dave Cawthorn
A group of mountain rescuers are building a shelter in a Highland glen in memory of a late colleague.
Work started on the shelter near the King’s House Hotel in Glencoe at the weekend, with members of Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team and Search and Rescue Dogs Association Scotland creating the base for the memorial.
The circular shelter is being created by the two groups as a monument to Stuart Ruffell, who died in 2008 and who was a member of both rescue organisations.
Dave Wright, of the Tweed Valley MRT, said: “Glencoe was a special place for Stuart and both organisations agreed to raise funds to build a small memorial here.
“This would take the form of a small meeting place for others to appreciate the splendour of being out of doors with the majesty of the Buachaille Etive Mòr as a backdrop.
“There was no shortage of volunteers to work on this project and, despite the inclement weather, foundations were dug and building commenced.
“The idea was to make a circular base of sandstone slabs to accommodate a round table and benches. This will be contained within a wall made from local stone, banked up with earth, and turfed.
“We all thought Stuart would like the idea. The idea was to build during the day and celebrate Stuart’s life over a few beers and an evening barbecue.
“Cement mixers, whacker plates and pickaxes appeared from all directions with a surplus of labour – and foremen – all eager to play their part. Local stone was quickly fashioned into a circular base.
“This was both a tribute to Stuart Ruffell and a reflection of the camaraderie that exists in the mountain rescue community.
“Although the foundations have been laid, work on the memorial continues and it is expected that it will be fully completed by the end of September.”
Both of Mr Ruffell’s sons are members of the Tweed Valley team and, along with their mum Irene, helped with the build and manned the barbecue at night.
TVMRT raised funds by holding an Evening With Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team in Peebles, Mr Ruffell’s home town, last November. Peebles was Stuart’s home town.
