Contacted on Twitter
Last month, we chose to help out a voluntary organisation that is wholeheartedly doing something of real value – saving lives.
The Trossachs Search and Rescue Team tweeted us, asking for help, and we gladly reached out.
The organisation was established almost 19 years ago and is operating on an entirely voluntary principle. The team comprises three sub-organisations; a dog training facility, supported by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, a training unit for the locals, in partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service and a teaching unit, in association with the British Heart Foundation.
Arnold Clark donates a Toyota Hilux
We donated a brand-new Toyota Hilux to the search and rescue team as we are aware that often, the Trossachs team need to overcome many obstacles on their way to rescuing people.
Eddie Hawthorne, Managing Director of Arnold Clark, commented on the donation:
‘We are thrilled to be able to get the Trossachs back on the road with our donated Hilux. The team here have made an excellent job of the livery which means the pick-up will be highly visible to members of the public who require their assistance. We wish the Trossachs Search and Rescue Team all the best with their future search and rescue operations.’
Hilux lends a helping hand
The Hilux is a solid and reliable car and will prove extremely helpful, representatives of the organisation have said. The brave people that volunteer their time and skills on a daily basis work alongside trained dogs and are helping both people in trouble and the local community.
Volunteers go the extra mile and help anyone in need; they took part in the search for people in the Clutha tragedy, as well as the Stockline factory collapse. The well-trained rescue dogs have also assisted in police searches for murder victims and missing persons. This they also carry out school and community talks, educating the public into how to deal with emergencies and casualties. Thus, it is essential that this organisation receives support and assistance and we were delighted to help provide this.
Why Toyota Hilux?
A durable pick-up, the sixth-generation Hilux is perfect for the off-road locations the team often have to navigate. It’s four-wheel capabilities, high clearance and tough exterior are the perfect features for rescues. Load limits are impressive ranging from 860kg to 1100kg and it has the ability to tow up to 2500kg. Suspension if good and steering is weighty so corners can be turned with ease. There is plenty of space in the high-quality interior, with space for three in the back. Engines on offer from Toyota are a 2.5-litre turbo diesel with 101bhp or 118bhp and a 3.0-litre diesel with 168bhp.