Volunteer underground search & rescue
Rescue beneath Scotland, since 1966
We search for and rescue people and animals from caves, rock fissures and disused mines anywhere in Scotland — a team of experienced cavers on call around the clock.
1966
Founded as Scotland’s cave rescue service
3,000+
Known caves, mines and underground spaces across Scotland
~7
Major training events each year
100%
Volunteers, funded by donations
About SCRO
A flexible team for a vast area
Scotland may not be famous for caving, but its caves run the length of the country and around much of its coast. Our members live everywhere from the Central Belt to Skye, so rather than a fixed team structure we work flexibly — whoever can reach the incident fastest responds.
We cover all underground locations except coal mines. SCRO is a member of both Scottish Mountain Rescue and the British Cave Rescue Council, and several of our members also serve on local Mountain Rescue Teams.
Proud member of
Where we work
From Assynt to the Borders
We train jointly with the Mountain Rescue Teams covering Scotland’s main caving areas, so local teams know the caves and can often reach a casualty first.
Assynt
Appin
Perthshire
Skye
Applecross
Durness
Disused mines nationwide
Rescue van
Carries most of our kit and SMR digital radios. Kept ready at Ochils MRT’s post, which kindly hosts us.
Underground comms
Sub-surface radio links underground to the surface, backed by a field telephone that’s quick and reliable in shorter caves.
Stretchers & hauling
The Slix stretcher suits tight passages; a Larkin frame lets us hoist safely over awkward edges and shafts.
Training
Ready when it counts
Around seven major training events and exercises a year, held all over Scotland, plus an annual joint exercise with Assynt MRT.
- Casualty care & first aid
- Communications
- Rigging & hauling
- Single Rope Technique
- Area searches
- Stretcher handling
Join SCRO
We’re always glad to hear from cavers who’d like to get involved — whether underground or in surface roles. Experienced members pass on decades of Scottish caving knowledge.
Interested? Choose “Joining SCRO” in the contact form and our Secretary will be in touch.
Keep us ready underground
Every member is a volunteer, and our equipment, van and training are funded by donations. Any gift helps us reach someone faster. Contact us below if you can help.
Contact
Get in touch
For membership, training, talks or general enquiries, send us a message and the right person will reply.
This form is not for emergencies
If someone is lost or injured underground, call 999, ask for Police and request Cave Rescue.
The Secretary
Scottish Cave Rescue Organisation