The sun came out on our first training and social day of the year this weekend! The emphasis for the day was to decompress after our busy start to the year and focus on enjoying the day out in the stunning wilderness we are privileged to have access to.

We started the day with the principles of water crossings, then drove in convoy up to the hill where one of our members kindly demonstrated safety and applications of a High-Lift Jack.

Over lunch we ran through our updated kit list with a practical demonstration and discussed any changes.

To finish the day there was an optional rough/scratchy route back to base. The recent weather had taken its toll on a section of this track, whilst unexpected this resulted in an excellent teamwork opportunity. All responders got stuck in to ensure all our vehicles passed over the obstacle.

If you would like to join our team we are seeking more members to support us and our partners throughout the Highlands, particularly in the following areas: Caithness, Skye, Gairloch, Badenoch and Strathspey. Visit our website using the link below or contact us on facebook to find out more.

http://highland4x4response.com/2024-recruitment.html
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Photographs by: Stuart Elliot

It has been a privilege to support NHS Highland and all our partners during the January period of very adverse weather. The teams have collectively covered 1000's of miles over a huge area including Inverness, Aviemore, Ullapool and Caithness. Thankyou also to the Nurses, Care staff and all those we assisted for remaining in such good spirits making each callout a pleasure. 

''As a team we have been able to provide a service that has had such a positive impact for our Highland community. In only a few days we covered 2385 miles and transported tens of essential NHS staff to and from their place of work through challenging conditions. On some taskings the roads could be clear and quiet. Whilst on others our responders were met with challenging weather conditions such as blizzards, deep drifting snow, black ice, and stranded motorists in need of urgent assistance. Each callout was diligently approached regardless of how minor the task may have appeared. One such example comes from the team based in Caithness. Who were informed that transporting just one senior nurse meant that up to 50 hospital clinic appointments that would have otherwise been cancelled, could go ahead as planned, well done all.''  James Amos (Vice Chair)

​ At the end of November we had a busy weekend for Highland 4X4 Response and COTAG 4x4 Response. Here we are working together during a joint training exercise running through the different scenarios that we may come across whilst responding, both in the day and the night.

- Recovery and winching procedure and equipment
- Navigation
- convoy leading
- Steep hill assent and descent practice
- Wading

A big thankyou to COTAG for organising and running this fantastic day, every member of the team thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we look forward to working with you again in the future.
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Photos - Stuart Elliot

Highland 4x4 Responses annual AGM is booked for Sunday 14th January at 1400. If you wish to attend please contact Tanya at [email protected]. Video link options are also available. 

Another very successful off road training day with a focus on the basics and preparing the team for winter and upcoming callouts. This was peer lead with each member of the team pitching in to share their knowledge and experiences.

We focused on the following topics:
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Radio and Comms SOP's
Convoy Procedure
Essential and secondary equipment
Tyres and Tyre Pressures
Failed hill ascent recovery's
Traction assistance
Water crossings

We had a brilliant day at the Wheels of Nairn Show on Saturday. Fortunately  after a week of changeable weather the sun came out and treated us for the third year in a row! Encouraging many owners of rare, classic and unique cars to the show. 

It was great to chat with everyone and introduce them to what we are all about from our dedicated response trailer. We had the new RC car up and running which proved a hit. Also, three of the team use their vehicles for overlanding and camping, it was great to show off the versatility of our trucks and the passions our members have for their vehicles. I am sure we can look forward to some new members applying in the near future too.