Torridon MRT is currently based in a cupboard at a Youth Hostel. Photo: Torridon MRT
A volunteer rescue team that currently operates out of a cupboard has launched an appeal for cash for a proper base.
Torridon Mountain Rescue Team, which covers some of the most challenging terrain in the west Highlands, needs £50,000 for its new building.
For the past 40 years it has used the storeroom at the Torridon Youth Hostel but has now been offered the chance by the National Trust for Scotland to establish a new headquarters at the foot of one of the area’s best known munros.
A team spokesperson said: “We are indebted to the Scottish YHA for allowing to make our base in the Torridon Youth Hostel for over 40 years.
“However, working out of a large cupboard is clearly not appropriate for a modern mountain rescue team. In fact we probably have the smallest base of any team in Scotland.
“We are fortunate that the National Trust for Scotland has made available to us an ideal site, at the foot of our most spectacular mountain, Liathach, next to the Loch Torridon Community Centre and the Torridon Medical Centre.
“We will start building on this site in March 2017 and expect to complete the project by the autumn. We are greatly indebted to St John Scotland who are funding the major part of the build cost. Nevertheless, we estimate that we need to raise another £50,000 to complete the project.”
The team has produced a video which is available to view on YouTube, to help its appeal.
Torridon MRT was established in 1972 about two dozen people on its active callout list, with some more in training. The spokesperson said: “Because of the small population in Torridon our members are scattered with around half from outside our territory.”
The team averages about 20 incident callouts a year with 17 munros on its patch, which stretches from Achnasheen in the East to Applecross in the West, with Kinlochewe and Lochcarron to the North and South respectively. Liathach, Beinn Alligin and Beinn Eighe are among the best known mountains the team covers.
The plans for the new base include a control room, medical room, store, assembly area, drying room and mess area.
Donations can be made via the Torridon MRT website.
