TOMINTOUL Single Malt is now the Official Spirit of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, with the voluntary emergency service celebrating its 60th anniversary year by entering into a sponsorship deal with the local distillery.
The Tomintoul Distillery, which is situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, expects this to become a long-term partnership, proudly supporting the rescue team who rely almost entirely on grants and donations to help keep climbers and themselves safe with up-to-date equipment.
Distilleries director and Master Distiller, Robert Fleming, said: “Our team has the pleasure of working within the Cairngorms National Park and use much of their downtime to explore the area. With so much to offer, we want to share our wonderful region with people from all over the world. But working here year-round means we’ve also experienced how treacherous and unpredictable the weather can be in this incredibly beautiful area and that’s why we’re so passionate about supporting the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.
“The hardworking team – made up entirely of volunteers – offer up their time, skill and courage for our community and now we’re proud to be doing our bit.”
The Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team is made up of around 40 highly trained volunteers who provide assistance to injured or lost persons in and around the Cairngorm Mountains. The vast area they cover includes the Northern Cairngorms, Ben Alder and areas of the Monadhliath Mountains to the East Side of Loch Ness – including the area surrounding Tomintoul Distillery.
In year one, Tomintoul Single Malt will work with the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team to identify areas in which support is needed most, with funds donated going towards kit and supplies, as well as enhancing training exercises and education opportunities for the dedicated team and their supporters.
Announcing the partnership at the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team’s 60th anniversary dinner, deputy team leader, Willie Anderson, said: “We cannot believe how fortunate we are to have such a well-known and historic brand such as Tomintoul as a partner. The synergy for both brands is very exciting to all members of the rescue team.
“We are certain we will to be able to work well together over the coming years, with a benefit for both parties and those going to the mountains for adventure. We have never had such an important sponsor and we will ‘climb mountains’ to ensure the partnership is a success!
“As we celebrate our 60th anniversary we feel confident we can continue to provide a world class rescue service for many years to come. Without doubt, support from Tomintoul will go a long way to underpinning our rescue work.”
The Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, a charity registered in Scotland as part of the Independent Scottish Mountain Rescue (iSMR), is one of the busiest mountain rescue teams in Scotland, responding to many accidents, injuries and avalanches throughout the year.
