04.11.2026
There when it matters: Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team
Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team is made up of 30 volunteers who give their time to help people in difficulty across the mountains and other remote places within our region. We are local climbers, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts who are ready to respond when tasked by Police Scotland.
Our operational area covers some of Scotland’s most beautiful and demanding landscapes, stretching from Helensburgh to the Bridge of Orchy, and southwards along the Cowal Peninsula. It includes iconic peaks such as the Cobbler and other mountains in the Arrochar Alps that attract thousands of visitors every year. Our most remote Munro is Beinn Bhuidhe which is normally accessed from Glen Fyne!
Our hills offer incredible adventures, but conditions can change quickly and unexpected difficulties do arise. Our team stands ready to respond in all seasons, often in challenging weather and terrain. From winter storms to heat waves, our volunteers train throughout the year so we remain ready to help people in distress reach safety.
We do this because we love these hills and care about the local community and the visitors who explore them. We also support local events, clubs and schools, helping promote mountain safety and share our knowledge of the outdoors with the community.
In 2025, the team responded to 33 incidents and recorded around 980 operational hours. Behind those figures are volunteers giving up evenings, weekends and time with their families to help people in peril.
How donations support the team
As a charity, public donations help Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team maintain the equipment, training and resources needed to respond to incidents across our area. The team is currently fundraising towards replacing its ageing rescue vehicle fleet. Reliable vehicles are essential for getting team members and equipment to incidents. A new team vehicle is expected to cost at least £55,000.
We are also seeking £100,000 in matched funding towards a proposed building extension. The plan is to make better use of the available space, with additional storage for rescue and training equipment, improved training facilities and a relatives’ room. The reconfiguration and extension would also provide an upgraded communications room, an improved drying room and a side store, helping the team prepare for call-outs and maintain its equipment.
Keeping the team operational costs tens of thousands of pounds every year. Donations directly support these everyday expenses and keeps our base running. Call-outs also bring immediate costs like fuel, vehicle servicing, and repairs, alongside the need to maintain communications networks and replacing vital rescue equipment. A recent £5,000 donation from an anonymous supporter was used to provide eight team members with new Gore-Tex clothing. It’s a great example of how donations are turned into practical support for our volunteers. Replacing and maintaining clothing and other items of protective equipment is an essential annual expense.
Every donation, however large or small, helps us be ready when someone needs us. Support our team: Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team – JustGiving
A message to the runners
To everyone taking part in the run, thank you for choosing to support Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team. Your effort and fundraising mean a great deal to us and help our volunteers stay ready to help people in difficulty. Good luck, enjoy the run, and thank you for being part of it.
Fancy Joining Us?
Whether you’re keen to get a few kilometres under your belt or just fancy a different way to reach the Walkers Bar, we’d love to have you along.
The run is open to all ages and abilities, with children accompanied by a parent or guardian. All we ask is that you make a donation to Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team.
Saturday 5 June 2027
Starting point: Fyne Ales Brewery Tap
Distance: 5km to the Walkers Bar (plus the return journey)
Entry: Donation to Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team
Led by: Good Time Running Club
Come for the run, stay for the beer, and help support the people who look after our hills.
REGISTER FOR THE CHARITY RUN – Please note, you must have a FyneFest ticket to participate
DONATE TO ARROCHAR MOUNTAIN RESCUE
READ MORE ABOUT HOW YOUR SUPPORT HELPS ARROCHAR MOUNTAIN RESCUE