Drones aid rescuers

Drones have revolutionised mountain rescue with a vital eye from the sky for searchers, say experts.

Scotland’s Search and Rescue Aerial Association (SARAA) say drones have increasingly become an essential part of the toolkit of mountain rescue teams.

There are 19 pilots and 21 drones across nine Scottish Mountain Rescue member teams. There were none four years ago.

SARAA Scotland chairman Tom Nash said in a short number of years technology had developed from use in daytime only to having zoom-capable cameras, thermal imaging and floodlights for nighttime missions.

Newer machines are also able to operate in the wind and rain at times.

Mr Nash said: “They also now have a speaker which allows us to communicate with people who are being rescued.”

Former Lochaber MRT leader, John Stevenson, said: “New technology is a game changer. We now have four drones and an all-terrain vehicle and helicopters to call upon.”