LAST year was a busy time for Galloway’s emergency services without over 90 callouts throughout 2023.
Galloway Mountain Rescue Team (GMRT) were called into action 15 times over the course of the year to a mixture of incidents, including the search and rescue of lost and injured walkers, water incidents, searching for lost and vulnerable people and assisting in the community during weather related incidents.
Their callouts were spread across the region from Stranraer to Castle Douglas, as well as assisting Moffat Mountain Rescue Team in Upper Annandale.
GMRT are thankful for the continued support of communties and a spokesperson for the team said: “We couldn’t do the work we do without the support from our families, friends, local community, supporters so we would like to say a massive thank you to you all. “Also, thank you to all our followers who share and like our posts on social media.
“All the best for 2024 from us all at Galloway Mountain Rescue Team.”
Similarly, rescue crews from Stranraer’s RNLI Lifeboat and Stranraer coastguard also had a busy year with the lifeboat launched on 16 occasions during 2023, aiding 18 persons and saving two animals; and the coastguard team responding to 42 callouts.
Both teams are grateful to their supporters and pledge to serve the Galloway’s coastal communities as best they can in 2024.
A spokesperson for Stranraer RNLI said: “At the end of a busy year the team would like to thank the many people who continue to support Stranraer RNLI in many ways.
“Thank you to the employers and colleagues who allow our team members to rush off when their pagers go off
“Thank you for the understanding of the partners and families of our volunteer crew who see meals go cold, plans put on hold, and can never quite relax until their loved ones are back home safe.”
A team member from Stranraer Coastguard added: “Moving into the new year we are looking forward to welcoming and assisting more new recruits across the region with their progression towards becoming fully operational coastguard rescue officers.”
