Renowned climber Dave MacLeod and Sarda dog Ruby launch the campaign last year. Photo: Chris James

A Scottish whisky brand will continue its support of mountain rescue north of the border.

Ian Macleod Distillers announced it will continue its link launched last year to help raise cash for volunteer rescuers.

The West Lothian-based firm said a second year of support will follow the successful 12-month campaign which included the first Munro Challenge, in which Scots of all ages were encouraged to summit a munro to raise money for Scottish mountain rescue.

Ian Macleod Distillers made a cash donation of £10,000 to launch the campaign and 15p from the sale of each bottle of Isle of Skye 8 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky went directly to the Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland.

Chairman Simon Steer said: “With over 1,000 volunteers across our 26 Scottish mountain rescue teams, we have a fantastic network of support for anyone who might find themselves in trouble on the Scottish mountains.

“But while our volunteers willingly give up their time for this, there are costs associated with running such a service including training and equipment. The support provided by Ian Macleod Distillers means we can constantly improve the sustainability of this critically important service.

“The partnership has been a great success so far with funds raised for Sarda [Search and Rescue Dogs Association], new equipment and avalanche training through a variety of fundraising initiatives including direct funding and the Munro Challenge.

“We are looking forward to another successful year ahead with a second Munro Challenge and other fundraising initiatives from Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky.”

Neil Boyd, commercial director of malts for Ian Macleod Distillers said: “As with all charity organisations, raising funds is key to the continued success of Scottish mountain rescue. Ian Macleod Distillers is delighted to help this vital service carry out the fantastic and often dangerous work undertaken by its volunteers.

“Scottish mountain rescue is a perfect partner to the Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky brand. It embodies the spirit of the outdoors, endurance and the landscape of Skye – home of the Clan Macleod.”

Exception snowfalls on the Scottish mountains last winter saw a record number of 12 cornice walk-throughs recorded by the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team between December 2013 and April 2014 following significant snow accumulations above 600m. These occurred when hillgoers stepped on to snow cornices not knowing there was no solid ground below them.

The Scottish Avalanche Information Service documented 350 avalanches with an average of one incident every four days for the first two months of the year.

In addition to this, the Lochaber team dealt with an incident in February during which four of its own team members went through cornices, taking falls, highlighting the pressure placed on the Scottish mountain rescue and the risks the volunteers take on their own lives when on callouts.

Scottish mountain rescue is made up of 24 volunteer teams and two Search and Rescue Dog Associations with more than 1,000 volunteers. They work alongside three police teams, two RAF teams and Scottish Cave Rescue.