Nith Inshore Rescue

Huge congratulations from all of us here at Nith Inshore Rescue to James on his well deserved MBE for services to mountain rescue. We have had the pleasure of working alongside James and Moffat MRT members on a number of incidents and we are now proud to also welcome James to the Nith Rescue Crew, one of our newest recruits albeit a very experienced one as he continues is extraordinary commitment to search and rescue on land and now adding in some sea.

Moffat Mountain Rescue Team is unbelievably proud to congratulate James Coles on being awarded the MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.

James served as Team Leader for the last five years, guiding the team through some of our most challenging periods — including the Covid‑19 pandemic — and strengthening the resilience, training, and operational readiness that define MMRT today. His leadership supported improvements to our base, the creation of the Skene Room, and the continued development of our volunteers.

He also championed community fundraising, helped re‑establish the Charity Challenge, and ensured the team remained financially stable and well‑governed.

James leaves the role with the respect and gratitude of every member of the team. His MBE is a fitting recognition of his dedication to public service and to the safety of those who live, work, and travel in the hills of Southern Scotland.

Congratulations, James — and thank you for your leadership and continued support as an active member of our team.

Read the full statements from John Burnham, current Team Leader and Moira Weatherstone, Chair of Scottish Mountain Rescue at:
https://www.moffatmrt.org.uk/james-coles-mbe-honoured-in-kings-birthday-honours-2026/

Mud can trap you faster than you think.

If you get stuck or get into trouble along the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Great morning of Water Safety training for crew, a refresher for some, first time for others and a result of three new crew now completing full training to go on call for the first time. We did a range of water safety training - here is an example of tethered swim rescue from the perspective of the casualty and the rescuer.