A tragic incident which took the lives of two shepherds, Jock Scott and Willie Middlemas, led to the formation of our mountain rescue team.
Last week, a small team of volunteers were joined by members of Jock’s family, local farmers and scouts from the 1st Whittingham Baden Powell Scouts to commemorate the 60th anniversary of this tragic incident.
The men lost their lives returning to Ewarty Shank from Rothbury Mart in a blizzard
Following the tragedy, Voluntary Wardens from Northumberland National Park Authority decided to establish a Rescue Team affiliated to the Mountain Rescue Committee (now Mountain Rescue England and Wales) and so the Team was formed.
The Reverend Judy Glover led a candlelit vigil at Alnham Church where a bagpipe lament was played.
Some of those who were gathered then braved the conditions to head to the cairn laid down where the men died to pay their respects.
A sad accident, but an important moment in the history of our team.
