THE annual Border Search and Rescue Unit fundraising walk takes place this Sunday (September 4) in the beautiful yet wild Lammermuir Hills.

This year's big push takes the form of a 'Mountain Rescue Experience Day'.

Participants will be given a chance to see what sort of things the team does, the equipment they work with, and the opportunity to gain some real mountain rescue insight.

Starting from the secluded Watch Water Reservoir near Longformacus, the organisation has planned two routes - a five mile Family Walk, and a Half Marathon Walk or Run, both using stretches of the Southern Upland Way.

The event is centred around the Watch Water Fishing Lodge, where refreshments and toilets will be available.

Event coordinator Bob McKeand told us: “Both Walks will feature a variety of 'stations' where team-members will show you some of the equipment and skills that we use in our Mountain Rescue work, and you will get the chance to try some real hands-on Mountain Rescue disciplines.

"This is a great opportunity to get young folk out walking with some added interest, and for everyone to get to know some of the wonderful countryside on our doorstep.

"For the last few years we have run our sponsored walk in the Cheviots, and this year's relocation to the Lammermuirs has given us a wonderful variety of new routes and terrain to play with.

"We've made a big effort to make both the five-miler and the half-marathon interesting, accessible and challenging, with some genuinely remote countryside mixed with a couple of well-known beauty-spots such as the reservoir itself and the iconic Twin Law with its pair of stone cairns.

"Well behaved dogs under proper control will be allowed on the walk, which is open to families, serious walkers and runners alike.”

BSARU have had a very busy few months providing first-aid cover for the numerous ride-outs and other summer events across the Borders, along with a couple of high-profile life-saving rescues.

The walk, which is always held at the start of the Autumn draws the summer to a close and sets the team up for the invaluable work they carry out through the winter months.

This year’s fund-raising efforts are particularly vital as one of their three specialised off-road vehicles needs replacing after several years of superb service in sometimes very challenging conditions.

Full details, entry to the event and an online donations facility can be found on the team website at www.bordersar.org.uk, or by following the links on their Facebook page.