Transcript - Galloway Gazette 20th December 1975
Leader of the newly formed Galloway Search and Rescue Group. Mr.P Wright, said at the groups first exercise on Sunday that it was encouraging to see so many people.

Volunteers had arriving at the Caldons Camp recreation Hut in Glentrool during the early morning, and by 10am over 30, already wearing waterproof clothing and walking boots had assembled in the hut where they were addressed by Mr Wright.

He said that the group was doubly lucky to have Dr H Lang, who is not only a doctor but a competent mountaineer. H ewas impressed with both the experience and the gear of everyone present. South West Scotland does not have a high call out and there had been reluctance to set up a new unit. This group is a sub-unit of Moffat Rescue Team and is known as Unit 67. Deputy, Mr A Shankland is to enquire about prices of equipment and all equipment will be kept at Newton Stewart. At present the group had the use of two stretchers.

Mr Wright said that he was pleased to see that many had a good knowledge of the use of a map and compass which must be up to scatch and he emphasised the importance of first aid. There were some people who would like to be concerned with the group but who were unable to go out on a rescue. These people are very valuable he stressed forthey were needed to work at the base.

The group must arrange a system of passing messages. He was not terribly keen on whistles as too many whistles can be confusing. Discipline is very important and everyone will be relied upon for their particular skills.

For Sunday's exercise, the group were to imagine that someone had gone fishing the previous day, in the vicinity of Loch Valley and had not returned. The method of search would depend on current conditions. Those unfamiliar with the area and with the use of a map and compass, were advised to go with someone who was.

Chairman Dr Lang then gave the group a word of advice about first aid. "Care in handling people is most important" and he added that "Waterproofing and insulation are more important than first aid".

The importance of communication was stressed by secretary and base organiser, Mr L Simpson who said that the group had two-way radios and these will be available. However he warned that the frequency is very near BBC2.

Before everyone left the hut to begin the mock rexcue, Dr Lang and Mr Wright demonstrated how to use the Mcinness stretcher which was on loan from the Forestry Commission. This collapsible, steel-framed stretcher can be carried empty by one person like a rucksack.

After the demonstration everyone went by car to Bruce's Stone in Glentrool, where they were joined by deputy leader Mr Shankland. After splitting into two parties the group set off in a slight drizzle to find their missing fisherman somewhere in the Galloway Hills

Reproduced courtesy of the Galloway Gazette - June 2004