Seven new members sought to guard Moray coastline

HM Coastguard volunteers sought in Buckie and Burghead.
HM Coastguard volunteers sought for Buckie and Burghead.

COASTGUARD TEAMS PLAYING a vital role all along the Moray shore have been recognised as some of the most active and dedicated in the country.

Now the service is issuing an appeal for new members to train in the highly skilled search and rescue roles fulfilled by ordinary people carrying out extraordinary tasks.

A recruitment drive has been launched for HM Coastguard volunteers in Moray – with the service requiring five new recruits for their Buckie team and two in Burghead.

A spokeswoman said: “Volunteers have to be physically fit and aged between 18 and 65 and have a full driving licence – no experience is necessary as all training is provided.”

The coastguard teams take part in searches, water safety and rescue and rope rescues, working closely with other emergency services and the RNLI sea and air elements.

The spokeswoman added: “Coastguard volunteers come from all parts of the community but all have a shared trust in each other – teams such as those in Moray are made up from highly-trained staff who specialise in search and rescue techniques.

“Volunteering will stretch you in ways you would never expect – and you can find yourself doing things that you previously never dreamed of doing.”

Anyone interested in volunteering can make their initial enquiry by emailing area3@mcga.gov.uk.