Day 5, July 6th Braemar Mountain Rescue Center Open House!

In September, 2002, Susan and I stayed overnight in the Scottish Youth Hostel, which just happens to be located ABOVE the Braemar Mountain Rescue Center. I took this pic while waiting for my clothes to dry (in the hostel laundry), on the day after the Braemar Games!

On my last day in Braemar, July 6th, 2003, the Mountain Rescue Center hosted an “Open House” as one of the Braemar Gala week events. This pic was taken while I was standing AT the Rescue Center, looking up at the Youth Hostel!

Some time after the September 2002 trip, Lindsay sent me this pic of him in his new kilt. Above (& below): Myself, Lindsay and his daughter, Charlotte!

The Braemar Mountain Rescue Team wasn’t officially organized until May of 1965. In the late 1940’s 50’s and early 60’s, searches and rescues were accomplished by people who simply lived and worked in the area.

Without the proper training or equipment to cope with the often extremely hostile mountain environment, volunteers didn’t hesitate to come to the assistance of those in danger on the mountain.

The “Bheinn a’Bhuird rescue of 1964” occurred during a particularly severe winter (read about it on their web site!), and was the catalyst for the formation of today’s Braemar Mountain Rescue Team.

“The Braemar Mountain Rescue Team helps those who get lost or into difficulty in the mountains in the Lochnagar, the southern Cairngorms and Glenshee hills of Scotland.” This Team is incredibly well trained and well equipped. It is made up of local volunteers who all “go to the hill” in their own time; as gamekeepers, walkers, climbers, or ski mountaineers. Their broad range of skills is invaluable, and their dedication to successful search and rescue operations is impressive.

I found this pic on their website. It’s of one of their snow cats cruising by the modern radio tower up on Morrone. But, it looks as though the new SUBSTATION hadn’t been built yet! (My pic with new substation below.) This is a perfect example of their dedication: get the best equipment first … worry about being “comfy” on the mountain later!

All of us had TONS o’ fun at the Rescue Center’s open house. Their facility is extensive and amazingly “modern.” It would put many US rescue centers to shame. It even has a “Rock Wall Room” for mountain climbing training. I spent at least an hour chatting with Graham in the radio control room. (Ask me about the “Trauma Center” story some time!) Meanwhile, the others were obviously having tons o’ fun PLAYING on the Team’s many vehicles!

(Put your MOUSE on the pic!)

Next DAY FIVE Pix Options (in order of trip occurrence):
MAR LODGE Tour
TEATIME in BRAEMAR
The BALLATER PIPE BAND!
The KISSING NESBIT SAGA!
Aberdeen Friends Head Home
FIFE PUB Party & PIPERS Pix!
Pipers KNOWN to me before! (And, I’m NOT talkin’ about NESBIT!)
The Incredible GORDON MELDRUM Saga
DINNER at the MOORFIELD Again
HEAVY SIGH. Last night in Braemar. Pout, Pout.

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