Scottish Mountain Rescue has elected Simon Steer as the new Chair, taking over from Jonathan Hart who steps down after 3 years in the role.
Simon Steer
Accepting the appointment Simon, who is the Deputy Leader of the Cairngorm Team, commented, “I am delighted to accept this important role and look forward to representing our members at a challenging and exciting time for Scottish Mountain Rescue. The provision of Mountain Rescue across Scotland principally relies on voluntary funding and volunteers who are prepared to answer the call at any time of day or night year round, regardless of weather.”
“Without the dedication of these volunteers, the service could not exist. I am privileged to be associated with such a community, which has a tremendous track record of providing a highly skilled, world class rescue service that is free at the point of delivery in some of the most challenging weather and terrain in the world. In the current financial climate, it is hard to imagine a more efficient or more cost effective model of provision, and the fact that it continues to work well is down to the selfless commitment of volunteers and the support of their employers ”
Out going Chair Jonathan Hart said: “Simon is an experienced civilian, voluntary mountain rescuer and is also the Deputy Team Leader of Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team. This means he will remain active on local rescues, as well as bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to this national position that will ensure the future of a well resourced, civilian, voluntary mountain rescue service provision across Scotland.”
Commenting further Simon thanked his predecessor “Jonathan has done a great job at a challenging time for Scottish Mountain Rescue. At a time of change, with the development of a single Police Force and single Fire & Rescue Service, he has ensured that the tremendous contribution of voluntary Mountain Rescue has been recognized and valued. Jonathan always championed the professional Mountain Rescue service provided by volunteers in Scotland and that is very much to his credit.”