The Work of SARAA Scotland

Today's story is of the work of SARAA Scotland - the second of our two charities, supported by Adam's fundraiser page for the Munro Dash team.

The Search & Rescue Aerial Association Scotland helps save lives. Specifically, it trains drone pilots in the specific skills required to assist Scottish Mountain Rescue in its search and rescue operations – for example, to scan large areas much more swiftly than can be done on foot, and to give better analytic information once a rescue is underway.

SARAA Scotland was founded in 2018, and already has eleven qualified pilots, with more in training, providing operational support from Arrochar to Assynt and Tayside to the Tweed. While there are still constraints on the conditions under which they can be used – poor visibility will prevent operations, and the law requires that they can only be operated within the pilot’s line of sight – their deployment is growing steadily, as the benefits become more and more evident to the mountain rescue teams.

As Tom Nash, Chairperson of SARAA Scotland, pointed out: “Risk reduction is a key use of a drone.” Once the casualty is found, the drone can help rescuers plan the best approach, and even – with a speaker attached – allow communication.

When a light shines through the darkness around an injured and stranded climber, and a disembodied voice asks for a “thumbs up if you’re OK but can’t move”, a wearily raised thumb, through the lens of the SARAA drone, sends the strongest possible message – drones can make a vital difference to the safety and efficiency of Scotland’s Mountain Rescue teams’ operations.

“We were delighted when Adam and Derek chose us as one of the beneficiary charities of their Munro Dash. As well as the possibility of some extra funds to support our growth, they’re helping us reach a wider audience for the work we do,” said Tom.