‘Rescuers need more state funding’

The friend of a climber who died following an accident in the Highlands has called for improved government funding for mountain rescue services.

Bobby Willis, 35, of London, had been climbing with Shaun Bowden, of Ware, Hertfordshire, on 3,773ft Bidean nam Bian – the highest peak in the Glencoe area – when he fell to his death in March last year.

Mr Bowden, 39, was part of a five-strong group descending from the summit when the weather conditions worsened. He lost his footing on ice and fell. The father-of-two’s body was later found by Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team.

Mr Willis and Mr Bowden’s other friends have since raised £30,000 to pay for a specially-adapted rescue vehicle for the Glencoe team.

Mr Willis said: “I think the work the team does is essential and I definitely think they should receive more funding than they do.”

But he confessed to having mixed feelings regarding donations from bereaved relatives and friends.

Mr Willis said: “I think people should do what they feel is appropriate.

“If they want to donate more then that is up to them, but there is no pressure on them to donate anything at all. Raising over £24,000 and being able to donate a rescue vehicle to the Glencoe team makes me feel proud and it has helped me come to terms with the accident.”

He hopes the Land Rover can be delivered to the mountain rescue team before Christmas.

Bobby Willis