A robust Highland base enabling life-saving work in the Cairngorms
Braemar Mountain Rescue Centre
2022 — 2025
‘This vital enhancement strengthens our commitment to saving lives in some of Scotland’s most challenging terrain.’
Nada Kent, Estates Projects & Strategic Planning Lead, Police Scotland
Set within woodland at the southern edge of the village, the project unifies a traditional granite former fire station with adjacent outbuildings and a new 1.5-storey extension. The addition is wrapped in black corrugated steel, forming a robust upper volume that sits lightly above the retained masonry base while responding to the dark tones of the surrounding forest.
Established in 1965, the Braemar Mountain Rescue Team operates across the Cairngorms, Lochnagar, Glenshee and Deeside. The centre, first occupied in 1973, was Scotland’s earliest dedicated mountain rescue base, but over time required significant upgrading to support a growing volunteer team and increasing year-round demand.
The redesign rationalises and expands the internal arrangement to better support operational needs, training and volunteer welfare. At ground level, a new entrance sequence and improved changing facilities, including dedicated female areas, creates a more inclusive and functional environment. Training provision is enhanced through the extension of the climbing wall to first-floor level, alongside improved storage for equipment and vehicles.
Above, a reconfigured first floor provides an enlarged control room overlooking the courtyard, an expanded avalanche incident management room, and improved bunk accommodation for extended callouts. New flexible spaces support both rescue coordination and Police Scotland’s day-to-day operations, reflecting the building’s shared use.
Architecturally, the project simplifies the original complex roofscape into a singular shallow pitched form, referencing the agricultural buildings of Aberdeenshire. The black-coated galvanised steel cladding complements the exposed granite below, offering a durable, low-maintenance envelope suited to its demanding use.
Environmental performance is improved through upgraded insulation and building fabric, alongside low water-use fittings. Biodiversity measures, including bat roosting boxes, have also been incorporated
The renewed centre strengthens the long-standing partnership between the rescue team and Police Scotland, providing a flexible, future-ready facility while maintaining a discreet and familiar presence within its woodland setting.
