Simon Steer, chair of Scottish Mountain Rescue

A leader from the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team has taken over as the chair of the Scottish umbrella organisation for rescuers.

Simon Steer has been elected chair of Scottish Mountain Rescue, which represents more than 1,000 volunteers north of the border.

He takes over from Jonathan Hart who held the post for three years.

Scottish Mountain Rescue represents the 24 voluntary civilian teams, two Search and Rescue Dog Associations and the Scottish Cave Rescue Organisation.

It represents the individual teams at the national level with a role in fundraising, insurance provision and delivering national training events. Scottish Mountain Rescue is involved in about 500 incidents per year.

Mr Steer said: “I am delighted to accept this important role and look forward to representing our members at a challenging and exciting time for Scottish Mountain Rescue.

“The provision of mountain rescue across Scotland principally relies on voluntary funding and volunteers who are prepared to answer the call at any time of day or night year round, regardless of weather.

“Without the dedication of these volunteers, the service could not exist. I am privileged to be associated with such a community, which has a tremendous track record of providing a highly skilled, world class rescue service that is free at the point of delivery in some of the most challenging weather and terrain in the world.

“In the current financial climate, it is hard to imagine a more efficient or more cost effective model of provision, and the fact that it continues to work well is down to the selfless commitment of volunteers and the support of their employers.”

Outgoing chair Jonathan Hart said: “Simon is an experienced civilian, voluntary mountain rescuer and is also the deputy team leader of Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.

“This means he will remain active on local rescues, as well as bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to this national position that will ensure the future of a well resourced, civilian, voluntary mountain rescue service provision across Scotland.”

Mr Steer thanked his predecessor for his work while heading the organisation. “Jonathan has done a great job at a challenging time for Scottish Mountain Rescue,” he said. “At a time of change, with the development of a single police force and single fire and rescue service, he has ensured that the tremendous contribution of voluntary mountain rescue has been recognised and valued.

“Jonathan always championed the professional mountain rescue service provided by volunteers in Scotland and that is very much to his credit.”