How To Become a Member

Lomond Mountain Rescue Team welcomes applications from individuals with the appropriate skills to apply for Probationary Membership.

The Team receives far more applications each year than it can accept. Currently we have reached maximum capacity and are not looking to take on potential team members this year. Normally, selection takes place near the end of each calendar year (around November) Candidates are judged on a variety of criteria - the strength of their application form and opinions formed on a days exercise out with senior members of the Team (also held in late November)

We expect applicants, at the very least, to be keen hill walkers. They should be confident in both summer and full winter conditions - with a number of years experience under their belts. Application forms should reflect this. Ask yourself, 'Am I happy in my own abilities, in poor weather, on steep terrain in the middle of a typical Scottish winter night.' If the answer is no, then you should probably reconsider.

Experience in relevant skills are looked on very favourably e.g. outdoor and medical qualifications etc. Note - You must hold a valid first aid certificate before being accepted for full membership.

As a rule, preference is given to applicants are established within, or in proximity, to the call out area. For practical reasons (cost and time spent training) we are looking for individuals are settled in the region and demonstrate a long term commitment to Lomond MRT.

Stretcher Carrying Beinn Bhreac

If accepted, individuals will be invited to begin their probationary training year in January. During this year their performance as a group member, their commitment and their skills are assessed.

For prospective trainees it is vital that the level of commitment to the Team is stressed at the outset and fully understood. The Team is a significant undertaking and it 'will' inevitably eat into days that would normally be spent walking, climbing, or with your family.

Over the period of a year the Team meets for over forty different events (training, fund raising and safety cover) this does not include rescues. In practice, it means that almost every week will be occupied with some kind of Team related event once awarded full membership.

In the first year the Team expects 80% attendance from probationary members. During this time trainees are not part of the call out list and will not take part in rescues.

At the end of this year, the Committee will consider the suitability of the trainee and their performance through the year. If successful they will be invited to become a Full Team Member on the active call out list.

If you are interested in applying for membership please request an Application Form - obtained by contacting the Team Secretary through the website.