Mario DiMaio receives the award

A rescue team member has received a special presentation in recognition of his 44 years’ service with the volunteers.

Mario DeMaio was team leader of Aberdeen Mountain Rescue Team for 19 years and continues as a member of the organisation.

He received the Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland’s Distinguished Service Award at a gathering to celebrate Aberdeen MRT’s 50th anniversary. The award is presented to nominated team members who have made a significant contribution to mountain rescue in Scotland either at team or national level.

A team spokesperson said: “Among other things, Mario was instrumental in encouraging the Order of St John to help finance mountain rescue teams in Scotland and Aberdeen was the first team to have a purpose-built headquarters, paid for by the order.

“Mario remains an important member of AMRT, both for support to the members that have been in the team for a number of years and also for encouragement and guidance for the younger members, coming into the team.”

Members of the team were joined at a ceilidh by former volunteers and members of the support association, staged as the culmination of a series of events marking the rescuers’ anniversary.