We have recently been given a copy of Seymour Haugh's book Sixty Years Strong; A History of the Borders Search and Rescue Unit 1963-2003. As the book makes clear this search and rescue unit has its origins in Yetholm, - in particular in the work of the Yetholm Scouts and their leader Jack Robb of Blunty's Mill. There are records of Scouts in Yetholm in the 1930s, but the group seems to have disbanded at some point. However in the late 1950s Scouts - and then Cubs - reappeared again: Jack Robb was behind the plan to use the Rover Scouts as the nucleus of a Mountain Rescue Unit. The germ of the idea appears to have been locally famous death in a snowstorm in north Northumberland of two shepherds in a snowstorm in November 1962 - see HERE. One of the shepherds was buried in the new graveyard in Town Yetholm - in fact, the first interment there. Seymour Haugh's book transcribes an entry by Jack in the log book of the First Yetholm (Cheviot) Rover Scout Crew, dated 22nd November 1963: For the last few weeks, for lack of permanent Den, we have been holding our meetings in Gibson's bungalow, but now, through the generosity of W.T.Mackinnon, Esq., we have been granted the use of the Stable Cottage at the Hall. This has given us a terrific boost and we feel that at last we are forging ahead in the right direction. In a remarkably short time we have furnished the Den and Meetings are held regularly every Tuesday evening. A Hill Rescue Squad has been formed and already two cross country hikes have been undertaken with the idea of familiarising outselves with the local hill country ... At present the Crew numbers seven (and two terriers), but what we lack in size we make up for in keeness, and I feel that we have the nucleus of a first class Crew - Second to none in the Borders. Jack Robb R.S.L This initial enthusiasm didn't wane. Jack and the lads from Yetholm developed into a very active and experienced rescue group, which is still going today, although no longer based in Yetholm (and increasingly women were involved too!). The subsequent story is well told in Mr Haugh's book, which contains many photographs of the group in action. Here are a couple of news items item from 1967 and 1973: Jill Mooney, Jack's daughter, has given us a collection of images of the group to digitise and add to our collection. Many of the faces in these pictures will be familiar to people from Yetholm: Unfortunately, although the Mountain Rescue Team remained active for many years, the Yetholm Scout group itself ceased to function in about 1966. Jack Robb contributed an article to the first edition of The Yett in 1970 regretting its demise: ![]() Note: If you would like to look at a book in the YHS library details can be found HERE.
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