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At Gregory Group, we are proud to support people who give their time, skills and energy to help the communities around them.

For Kevin Clarke-Brown, a driver working out of our Ecclefechan depot, that commitment extends well beyond his role with Gregory. Kevin is also a volunteer with Moffat Mountain Rescue, where he supports the team as a Radio Communications Officer.

In May, Kevin used his Gregory volunteer day to take part in a search and rescue preparation exercise with the team. The activity formed part of the build up to its annual Charity Challenge event, which raises funds to keep the team running and ready to respond when needed.

Preparing for the Charity Challenge

Each year, Moffat Mountain Rescue organises the Charity Challenge, bringing people together to enjoy the outdoors while raising vital funds. The event includes four planned walking routes across the Moffat area, each designed to suit different levels of ability.

The money raised makes a real difference. In previous years, around £2,500 has been generated through the event. That can cover around a third of the team’s annual fuel costs or provide a new volunteer with the full set of equipment they need for a callout.

Ahead of the 2026 challenge, due to take place across the Lowther Hills, the team carried out a full preparation exercise. This allowed volunteers to familiarise themselves with the terrain, test their approach and make sure everything was in place to support participants safely on the day.

Operating in a challenging environment

The Lowther Hills offer a dramatic landscape but also present real challenges for mountain rescue teams. High peaks and deep gullies can make communication difficult, particularly when relying on VHF radios.

Kevin’s role as a Radio Communications Officer was central to the exercise. Reliable communication between checkpoints is critical during any rescue scenario, helping teams stay coordinated and respond quickly if an incident occurs.

The preparation day proved just how effective that planning was. The team achieved full radio coverage across the area, giving confidence that they could operate effectively during the Charity Challenge itself.

Training that reflects real callouts

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The day was designed to replicate real life scenarios as closely as possible. Multiple teams, known as sticks, were deployed across different routes in the hills. Each group worked through situations involving notionally injured walkers, testing their ability to locate, treat and safely extract casualties.

Specialist equipment was used throughout, including stretchers designed for difficult terrain. Teams worked together to move casualties safely, demonstrating the level of coordination and physical effort required in real conditions.

For Kevin, it was a chance to put his communication skills into practice while gaining a deeper understanding of how every role contributes to a successful rescue. It also reinforced the importance of preparation, teamwork and clear communication in what can often be unpredictable environments.

The role of Scottish Mountain Rescue

Moffat Mountain Rescue is one of 26 teams represented by Scottish Mountain Rescue. Together, these teams provide a vital service across some of the UK’s most remote and challenging landscapes.

All members are volunteers, giving their time alongside their day jobs and personal commitments. They are available around the clock, ready to respond to incidents at short notice.

In Scotland, weather conditions often mean helicopters cannot be used, particularly when low cloud reduces visibility. As a result, many search and rescue operations rely on teams travelling on foot, sometimes across difficult terrain and in challenging conditions.

This makes training, preparation and teamwork even more important. Every exercise, like the one Kevin supported, helps ensure teams are ready when it matters most.

Supporting communities since 1969

Moffat Mountain Rescue has been supporting communities and visitors since 1969, when Gregory was only a spritely 50 years old. Covering a large area of Dumfries and Galloway, the team responds to a wide range of incidents involving walkers, climbers and members of the public who find themselves in difficulty.

The team works closely with Police Scotland, which coordinates land based search and rescue across the UK. They may also support other emergency services and take part in community resilience activity during major incidents, including extreme weather.

Alongside emergency callouts, the team provides safety cover at local events and continues to raise funds through initiatives like the Charity Challenge to maintain its equipment, training and capability.

A day that makes a difference

Kevin’s volunteer day offers a clear example of how individuals across the business are contributing to something bigger. Whether it is testing communications, supporting training exercises or helping prepare for major fundraising events, his involvement plays a part in keeping others safe.

It also highlights the value of the Gregory volunteer day scheme, giving people the opportunity to support causes that matter to them while developing new skills and experiences.

Behind every successful rescue is a team of people who are prepared, committed and ready to act when needed. Kevin’s experience provides a reminder of the dedication that sits behind that work, and the difference it continues to make in communities across the UK.