RECENT NEWS
 4-08-08
Highland Emergency
The MCA is delighted to see the results of its close collaboration with Channel 5 due to hit TV screens tomorrow evening.
The MCA's Search and Rescue helicopter and crew based at Stornoway in the Western Isles have been taking part in an observational television series due to be screened tomorrow evening at 7.30 pm.
'Highland Emergency', is a 30-part documentary series based on unprecedented access to the Emergency services in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
The first programme features the Coastguard Helicopter from Stornoway in the Western Isles and helicopters from the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.
In subsequent programmes in the series, we will see featured the Northern Constabulary, the air and road ambulance, the mountain rescue and ski patrol teams, Raigmore Hospital and NHS Highland, and Her Majesty's Coastguard.
The beautiful but inhospitable terrain of the Highlands provides a stunning backdrop for the series which follows the work of the emergency services as they undertake terrifying rescues on land, sea and mountains in all weathers.
Bill McFadyen, from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said:
This has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase the work we do alongside our emergency service partners in United Kingdom Search and Rescue and to show how the network of emergency services extends to the most remote parts of the British Isles.
Many people owe their lives to the skills and expertise of the many men and women who work in our emergency services.
WATCH NOW BY CLICKING THE FOLLOWING LINKS:
EPISODE 1 Series 1, 7:30pm, 5th Aug 2008 on five
EPISODE 2 Series 1, 7:30pm, 12th Aug 2008 on five
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 21-07-08
Coastguard narrowly avoids death in heroic mud rescue
Heroic Coastguard Mud Rescue Technician Mr Scott Constantine narrowly avoided death Saturday after the Montrose Mud Rescue Team were called to a person stuck in the mud.
Scott Constantine ,Montrose Depute Station Officer, was due to attend a wedding with his wife, and was under strict orders that he was not to attend any "shouts" that day. Volunteer Scott, 29 of Montrose, however had other ideas when his pager beeped on Saturday afternoon.
Risking his life, in more ways than one, he defied his wife and set off for the coastguard station in Montrose where the team assembled and donned their mud rescue equipment. Dedicated to the cause, there was only one thing Scott was going to do when that pager sounded.
After rushing to the scene in his personal vehicle, it quickly got blocked in the narrow road down under the viaduct on rossie island, by numerous police, fire and rescue and coastguard vehicle.
Having made the rescue - and having a roadside shower thanks to the Tayside Fire and Rescue appliance from Montrose - Scott realised that he was unable to get back home for a quick change and onto the wedding. As if by luck, team member Stuart Wallace of Laurencekirk had been unable to attend at first, and had arrived on scene after the rescue. In a mad rush to reach the far end of the town, Stuart navigated through the streets to deliver Scott to his house. Thankfully for all concerned, Scott reached the wedding on time and his wife was happy.
Team member Dougie McLeod, also of Montrose, drove Mr Constantine's car to him once it was free to leave the scene. Dougie being the team player that he is, offered the rest of the mud walkers a ride around Montrose in Scott's car, and he commented "Scotts car has an electric brake, im so excited at getting to drive his car". The team stood down at 1500hrs and returned home to await the next callout, all ready and waiting to risk angering their wife's and girlfriends at the beep of their pager.
This is the sort of dedication that makes you feel safe when out their doing dangerous stupid things.
Russell Moir - Gourdon SO, (Montrose Sector Press Officer)
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For ALL EMERGENCY CONTACT
Dial 999 and ask for the COASTGUARD
or VHF ch16
For all other advise or information please contact
Ross Greenhill - Sector Manager on Tel: 01674 672101 | 
