Multiple Funds provide Critical Equipment for Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue
Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team has been awarded funding to replace one of its ageing emergency response vehicles from three funds.
The funding has been provided by Langhope Rig Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, Nadara Glenkerie Community Benefit Wind Farm Fund and Greencoat Wind UK Carcant Wind Farm Community Fund (Heriot), all administered by Foundation Scotland. The combined funds totalled £36,000, reflecting the vital importance of the Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Teams work.
Organisation Overview
Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team (TVMR) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation established in 1969. Based in the Scottish Borders, it provides essential emergency search and rescue services across a vast region including West Lothian, Mid Lothian, City of Edinburgh, and the Scottish Borders west of the A68.
The organisation is made up of 47 volunteer members, including 42 on-call members and 2 probationers. TVMR extensive coverage area encompasses 110 community councils across multiple regions, with vehicles strategically based in Melrose, Galashiels, Innerleithen, and Hillend.
Financially, TVMR receives 50% of its annual funding from the Scottish Government, with the remaining funding secured through a combination of grants, fundraising activities, and donations.
TVMR supports emergency services with call outs to remote and rural areas, its equipment and vehicles enable the team to access areas that are more challenging.
Between 2018 to 2024, TVMR has supported with the rescue of 44 people collectively from across the three fund areas and it has provided resilience support when required. Volunteers for TVMR also reside across the community benefit areas.
The Challenge
TVMR faced the critical need to replace one of its ageing emergency response vehicles in its four-vehicle fleet. The team required a specialized vehicle that would be capable of accessing remote and inhospitable areas, navigating rough terrain, and carrying extensive rescue and first aid equipment. The vehicle would also need to support civil resilience operations in extreme weather conditions, making it a vital asset for their emergency response capabilities.
The Goal
To ensure fluent succession planning and to meet with the new City of Edinburgh Low Emission Zone legislation, TVMR needed to upgrade its vehicles to ensure compliance with the new rules and ensure it had access to fit for purpose vehicle to deliver its vital services.
Community Benefit Funding
The Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team approached three Community Benefit Funds managed by Foundation Scotland across the Scottish Borders region.
The funds agreed to award:
- Langhope Rig Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund - £15,000
- Nadara Glenkerie Wind Farm Community Fund - £20,000
- Greencoat Wind UK Carcant Wind Farm Community Fund (Heriot) - £1,000
These community panels recognised the vital importance of TVMR's work and collectively contributed £36,000 toward the project.
The remaining funds were secured through a combination of local channels, organizational self-funding, and additional sources, demonstrating the success of TVMR's diverse funding approach.
Outcome
The funding campaign proved successful, with TVMR raising the full amount required to purchase and outfit a new Toyota Hilux with necessary life-saving equipment. This achievement will ensure the team can continue its essential work responding to emergencies in remote locations, providing specialized assistance to emergency services, and supporting civil resilience operations while maintaining their high standard of emergency response capabilities.
Implications for Future Projects
This project offers valuable insights for similar organisations undertaking major capital purchases. It demonstrates the effectiveness of multiple-source funding strategies as well as the importance of maintaining adequate reserves for essential equipment replacement is also emphasized through this case.
The successful funding of this initiative ensures TVMR can continue providing vital emergency services across its extensive coverage area while maintaining the high standard of equipment necessary for their life-saving work across the fund areas and beyond.
