The highlands of Lesotho. Photo: Eckhard Pecher

A group hoping to set up a rescue service in Africa will spend time with experts in Scotland to learn from their world-class knowledge.

Members of mountain rescue teams north of the border will today welcome a party from Lesotho on a study tour.

The five visitors who are involved with the very early stages of a community-based rescue service in their homeland are here to learn mountaineering, rescue and search management techniques from voluntary Scottish teams.

The study tour will also include visits to a number of rescue teams, including Torridon, Cairngorm and Lochaber.

Jonathan Hart, chair of the Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland, said: “Mountain rescue in Scotland is world class, largely voluntary and very cost effective, a model that can work in many other parts of the world.

“The strength of Scottish mountain rescue is reflected by people wanting to visit Scotland and learn from us.

“Members of an Icelandic search and rescue Team visited Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team earlier this month and four team leaders recently attended a study tour to Norway.

“We are very pleased to exchange skills in this way.”

Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team previously played host to Icelandic visitors . Photo: Tweed Valley MRT

The trip, which is funded by Gem Diamonds in Lesotho, will last 12 days and includes seven days’ training at the National Outdoor Training Centre, Glenmore Lodge and a weekend at the nationally recognised search-management training course which is delivered by Scottish mountain rescue to members of rescue teams.

Tiso, the Scotland-based outdoor gear suppliers will provide the visitors with warm clothing essential for the time they will spend training in the Highlands.

Mr Hart said: “In this case the funding from Gem Diamonds makes it possible; the support of Tiso is gratefully appreciated and the warm welcome from the mountain rescue community is assured.

“We are also grateful to Northern Constabulary for their support of the visit.”

Tsepo Hlojeng, who is leading the group which includes two women, said: “This trip has taken a lot of planning and work and we’re excited to be here and looking forward to getting on with the training so that we can make the most of this opportunity.”

Chris Tiso, chief executive at Tiso, added: “We’re delighted to be able to support this fantastic initiative and supply some of our clothing which I’m sure will help these visitors stay warm on the hill and get the most out of their trip.”

The mountain kingdom of Lesotho, which in surrounded on all sides by South Africa, lies entirely above the height of Ben Nevis, with its lowest point about 1,400m (4,593ft) above sea level.

About 40 per cent of its 2 million-plus population exists below internationally recognised poverty levels.