Category: Rescue

Vehicles used to rescue people or property

Mountain Rescue

C134 RSO Braemar Mountain Rescue Team Kassbohrer


C134 RSO
Braemar Mountain Rescue Team
Kassbohrer

After nearly four decades of unwavering service, the Braemar Mountain Rescue Team retired its beloved rescue vehicle, affectionately known as “”Old Flex”” in December 2024. Since 1985, this six-tonne tracked vehicle has been a vital asset in some of the most challenging mountain rescue operations, navigating snowbound terrain and treacherous weather to bring help where it was most needed.

Powered by its 6.1 litre diesel engine, “Old Flex” earned its place in history by assisting in high-profile rescues, including the aftermath of the Lockerbie bombing in 1988 and the recovery operation following an F-15 crash on Ben Macdhui. Alongside these momentous events, the vehicle played a key role in countless other rescues, becoming a reassuring presence for stranded climbers, hillwalkers, and the rescuers themselves.

Equipped with caterpillar treads, Old Flex’s ability to traverse snowbound peaks made it indispensable during harsh winters when conventional vehicles faltered. It has supported not only the Braemar team but also neighbouring rescue teams.

Now retired, Old Flex will spend its days at the Glenshee Ski Centre.

The Braemar Mountain Rescue Team continues its work with a newer generation of rescue vehicles, including Old Flex’s “wee sister,” which has been in service since 2006. Yet, for those who relied on her during emergencies or admired her tenacity in the snow, Old Flex will remain a legend.

Search and Rescue

XE317 RAF Bristol Sycamore HR14

XE317
RAF
Bristol Sycamore HR14
This rescue helicopter, based on a 1940s design, served at RAF Thornaby in Teesside and in Norther Ireland. It has a 1,000 lb payload and can accommodate three passengers

Search and Rescue

Border Search and Rescue The line up of vehicles at the rescue base ..

Border Search and Rescue
The line up of vehicles at the rescue base in Kelso. The base is a garage with three doors and is no longer suitable for us by the service. There are no toilet facilities, the vehicles only just fit in and there is very limited storage space for equipment. Other equipment is stored at another site one mile away which slows down response times to rescue calls. They are currently fundraising £450k for a new purpose built base that will meet the needs of the organisation.

Search and Rescue

SN06 DYW Border Search and Rescue Land Rover Defender

SN06 DYW
Border Search and Rescue
Land Rover Defender
Based at Kelso, Scotland. The team respond to call outs made via the police to searches in the Scottish Borders. Working on the boundary between two countries brings its unique challenges, such as identifying which side of the border a found body was on (and therefore which police service will investigate it) and working with neighbouring North of Tyne SAR who are under the Mountain Rescue England and Wales umbrella rather than the Scottish equivalent.