Galloway Mountain Rescue Team

15/06/2026

📍 TEAM UPDATE: DECISION AT GARGRAVE 📍

​It’s been an incredibly tough and grueling journey on the Pennine Way. After battling through the night and pushing through a brutal first day, the relentless humidity and muggy weather unfortunately took its toll.

​On the approach to Gargrave (75 miles), James began to feel increasingly unwell. Upon reaching the checkpoint and being assessed by the event’s medical team, he was advised that the safest and most sensible decision was to withdraw from the race.

While Ross was physically able to continue the challenge alone, he made the selfless decision to stick by his teammate. He chose to withdraw alongside James, proving that this journey was always about teamwork, and looking out for one another.

​We are incredibly proud of both of them. This challenge was never going to be easy, but the determination, resilience, and true sportsmanship they have shown over the last 24 hours embodies the exact spirit of the Mountain Rescue community.

​🚗 A huge shoutout and thank you to team member Dave, who went out to collect the guys from Hardraw this morning and made sure they got back safely!

​A massive thank you to everyone who has followed their progress, sent messages of support, and donated. Your kindness has given the team a massive boost through every hard mile.

​If you would still like to show your support for James and Ross and celebrate their incredible effort, you can donate to their chosen cause here:

​❤️ Donate:
https://www.justgiving.com/team/rossmccjamesa

​Every donation helps support the incredible, life-saving work of Mountain Rescue volunteers.

​Head up, guys. You gave it absolutely everything and made us all proud! 🤝💪🥾⛰️

Dumfries and Galloway! Whats Going on ?
Galloway Mountain Rescue Team
Scottish Mountain Rescue
Montane Spine Race
STV News

14/06/2026

Spine Challenge Update

Ross and James are taking on this challenge to raise funds towards the purchase of a laptop which will have the specifications to run our communication network, search and rescue mapping and support drone flight operations all from our Control vehicle.

It is a financial challenge to purchase technology and keep updated with innovations. Your support will go a long way to helping Ross and James reach their £1000 target for the laptop.

Sunday 15:00 - they are at 60 miles - over half way - but only a quarter of the way to their fund raising target.

Let's keep their morale high by encouraging others to donate to their target. Please share :)

Thank you 👏👏

👇 Donate here:
https://www.justgiving.com/team/rossmccjamesa

📍 Follow their progress live:
https://live.opentracking.co.uk/ssc2026

Scottish Mountain Rescue
Dumfries and Galloway! Whats Going on ?

Montane Summer Challenger | MRT South 2026 - Live Event Tracking

14/06/2026

📍 OVERNIGHT UPDATE 📍

James and Ross reached the checkpoint at around 2am this morning after battling through a tough first day on the Pennine Way.

By all accounts, both were feeling pretty rough when they arrived. The unexpected humidity has proved a real challenge, taking its toll throughout the day and into the night.

After taking some time at the checkpoint to refuel, regroup, and get themselves sorted, they’re back on the move and continuing north.

This challenge was never going to be easy, and they’re already showing the determination and resilience needed to keep pushing forward when things get tough.

A huge thank you to everyone following their progress, sending messages of support, and donating. Knowing that people are backing them and supporting the cause gives them a real boost when the miles are hard and motivation starts to dip.

If you’d like to support James and Ross as they continue their 108-mile journey, you can donate here:

❤️ Donate:
https://www.justgiving.com/team/rossmccjamesa

📍 Track their progress:
https://live.opentracking.co.uk/ssc2026/

Every donation, no matter the amount, helps support the incredible work of Mountain Rescue volunteers and gives the lads an extra boost as they tackle the miles ahead.

Keep digging deep, lads. You’ve got this! 💪🥾⛰️

Scottish Mountain Rescue
Dumfries and Galloway! Whats Going on ?
Montane
Montane Spine Race
STV News

13/06/2026

📍 RACE UPDATE 📍

Over 30 miles down and James and Ross are continuing to make steady progress on the Montane Summer MRT Challenge South. 🥾⛰️

It’s been a tough day on the Pennine Way, with strong winds battering them for much of the route, but they’re keeping the miles ticking by and pushing ever closer to their goal.

As they head into their first night on the trail, the real challenge begins. Fatigue will start to creep in, the temperatures will drop, and there are still many tough miles ahead.

A huge thank you to everyone who has donated and supported them so far. Every message, share, and donation helps keep them motivated as they take on this incredible challenge. ❤️

If you’d like to support James and Ross and help them reach their fundraising goal:

👇 Donate here:
https://www.justgiving.com/team/rossmccjamesa

📍 Follow their progress live:
https://live.opentracking.co.uk/ssc2026/

We’ll bring you another update later this evening. Keep going lads, we’re all behind you! 💪🔥

Scottish Mountain Rescue
Dumfries and Galloway! Whats Going on ?

13/06/2026

📍 RACE UPDATE 📍

11 miles down and James and Ross have just reached the summit of Bleaklow! ⛰️

The summit is certainly living up to its name today, with bleak, exposed conditions and plenty of wind to remind them they’re only at the beginning of this epic challenge.

Despite the tough terrain, they’re making steady progress north along the Pennine Way as they take on 108 miles non-stop in the Montane Summer MRT Challenge South.

💪 Keep the support coming. Every message, like, share, and donation gives them a boost as the miles continue to roll by.

📍 Track their progress live:
https://live.opentracking.co.uk/ssc2026/

❤️ Support their fundraiser:
https://www.justgiving.com/team/rossmccjamesa

11 miles down. 97 to go. Keep pushing lads! 🔥🥾



Scottish Mountain Rescue
Dumfries and Galloway! Whats Going on ?
STV News

13/06/2026

🚨 THEY’RE OFF! 🚨

At 08:30 this morning, James and Ross set off from Edale on the Montane Summer MRT Challenge South.

The months of training and preparation are over. Ahead of them lies 108 brutal miles of the Pennine Way, with steep climbs, challenging terrain, and a relentless race against the 60-hour cutoff.

Now it’s all about putting one foot in front of the other and digging deep. 💪⛰️

📍 Dot watchers, they’re on the move!

🔵 James - Race Number 901
🔵 Ross - Race Number 917

Track their progress live:
https://live.opentracking.co.uk/ssc2026/

Everyone back home is right behind them. Wishing them safe travels, strong legs, and good spirits for the miles ahead.

If you’d like to support their fundraising efforts:
https://www.justgiving.com/team/rossmccjamesa

Good luck lads, you’ve got this! 👏🔥



Scottish Mountain Rescue
Dumfries and Galloway! Whats Going on ?
STV News

12/06/2026

🚨 108 MILES. NON-STOP. NO SLEEP. 🚨

​The countdown is officially over. We arrived in Edale at 1430 today and it’s been a whirlwind ever since: Kit check done, registration complete, photos taken, race briefing finished, and dinner devoured. Now, we are back at the Youth Hostel doing our final kit prep and getting ready for the madness tomorrow.

​A massive shoutout to our Deputy Team Leader, Craig, for supporting us and driving us down here! 🙌

​Tomorrow morning (June 13th), the two of us are taking on the most brutal physical challenge of our lives: The Montane Summer MRT Challenge South.
​We will be racing 108 miles non-stop along the relentless Pennine Way from Edale to Hawes, battling the elements and trying to beat a ruthless 60-hour cutoff time. 🥾⛰️

​If you can spare a few pounds to our fundraiser and give us a massive mental boost before we hit the trail, it would mean the absolute world to us.

​👇 Read our full story, track our goal, and donate securely here:
https://www.justgiving.com/team/rossmccjamesa?utm_medium=TE&utm_source=CL

Dot Watchers - James race number 901 and Ross is 917. Track them on following link from 0830hrs tomorrow.

https://live.opentracking.co.uk/ssc2026/

​Thank you so much for the support—we are definitely going to need it! Follow along for updates if we have the signal! 🧯💪

Dumfries and Galloway! Whats Going on ?
fans

08/06/2026

🚨 108 MILES. NON-STOP. NO SLEEP. 🚨

​On June 13th, the two of us are taking on the most brutal physical challenge of our lives: the Montane Summer MRT Challenge South.

​We will be racing 108 miles non-stop along the relentless Pennine Way from Edale to Hawes, trying to beat a ruthless 60-hour cutoff time. 🥾⛰️
​Why put ourselves through this? To support the incredible, entirely voluntary team at Galloway Mountain Rescue Team

​We are fundraising to completely upgrade the IT systems inside their Incident Control Vehicle (ICV)

When someone goes missing or gets into serious trouble in the hills, this vehicle is the mobile operational hub that coordinates the searches and manages communications. Fast, reliable tech in that van means faster rescues. It quite literally saves lives.

​Our JustGiving page is officially LIVE. We are trying to raise as much as possible to get this vital equipment secured for the team.

​If you can spare a few pounds to kickstart our fundraiser and give us a massive boost before we hit the trail, it would mean the absolute world to us.

​👇 Read the full story, track our goal, and donate securely here:
https://www.justgiving.com/team/rossmccjamesa?utm_medium=TE&utm_source=CL

​Thank you so much for the support—we are definitely going to need it! 🧯💪
​ Way

03/06/2026

👀 Dot watchers, get ready!

Next weekend on 13th June, Galloway Mountain Rescue Team members Ross Mcconchie and James Anderson will be taking on the gruelling Montane Spine MRT Challenger South to raise funds for a vital upgrade to the IT systems in our Incident Control Vehicle (ICV).

Many of you will remember Ross and Karen successfully completing the Spine South last year. James was due to join them but was unfortunately forced to withdraw before the start due to injury. This year, he's back, fully recovered, and ready to take on the challenge alongside Ross.

The ICV is the heart of our operations during mountain rescue incidents. It serves as the command centre for coordinating searches, managing communications, and supporting teams on the ground. During missing person searches in particular, having fast, reliable access to information can be critical.

The planned IT upgrade will help us respond more efficiently and effectively when people need help most, ensuring our volunteers have the tools they need to save lives.

Please join us in supporting Ross and James as they tackle this incredible challenge. Every donation will help strengthen our rescue capability and make a real difference when it matters most.

Please share and like our post 😀

👇👇

https://www.justgiving.com/team/rossmccjamesa?utm_medium=TE&utm_source=CL


Dumfries and Galloway! Whats Going on ?
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Scottish Mountain Rescue