I'd like to bring everyone up to date on some of the recent news for the team.

John, Mandy and I have been working very hard to spread the word regarding the teams recent affiliation into the Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland and we have had article published in the Press and Journal (page 6 today), the Stornoway Gazette (Page 5 this Thursday) and have further articles appearing on the BBC news website, Isle FM (This Friday between 5-6pm) and further interviews being published across several publications (use Google Alerts).

On top of this John and I met with Gordon MacLeod, Chief Inspector and Robbie MacDonald, the new Inspector for Stornoway Area Command of Northern Constabulary. I will be working with Robbie to develop a specific protocol to manage the team during call-outs and will develop and implement a training programme for this as soon as it is agreed.

John and I have been invited to attend a reception at Holyrood Palace under the auspices of the Moderator of the Church of Scotland and this will be beneficial to the team as it is an opportunity to meet face to face with the organisers of the Order of St John who provide financial support to Mountain Rescue in Scotland through the supply of vehicles and the provision of funding for team bases.

In addition to this, I'd like to thank Gareth for the work he has been doing to engage with the Scottish Salmon Company regarding funding for the team and I have no doubt that in the coming weeks his meetings with both the marketing manager and directors of the company will deliver concrete results to HebSAR.

We have been lucky to secure the services of Mick Tighe. Mandy and I have been friends of Mick for many years and have worked with him on training to many of Scotland teams including; Oban, Ochils, Strathclyde Police and Lochaber. Mick has agreed to deliver a training weekend later this year which will - knowing Mick - really stretch the team. I'll keep you informed of any further updates.

At the start of June, the Duchess of Cornwall - Camilla Parker Bowles - will be visiting the island. The Chief Inspector has asked me, John, Antony and Dave to attend the event and I'm sure this will provide substantial additional coverage for the team in the press.

Finally, I'd like to make an announcement regarding a further appointment to the team operational structure. As directors, John, Mandy and I have had long discussions regarding the appointment of a deputy team leader. We have discussed the idea of skills, training opportunities, previous commitments, experience and considering this and the comments of members of the management committee, we have approached Sean to offer him the post.

The final decision was left to me as Team Leader and I think Sean will provide the team with a fantastic opportunity to bring someone who has enhanced skills to bear in a management role both on and off the hill.

I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate Sean on his appointment and to ask the team to wish Sean the best in his new role and to support him during his initial training and development. I am sure his enthusiasm and current knowledge will be a boost to the team's capabilities and resilience.

I'll try to keep you up to date on further news as regularly as possible.

Take care... and hey, let's be careful out there...!

Tom

Click the link to see Johns Facebook Article.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=126796700691212