We are
SARDA Southern Scotland
Training search & rescue dogs since 1984.
We are SARDA Southern Scotland.
We are a non-profit, voluntary organisation that specialises in training, and operating search & rescue dogs, to help find missing / injured people across Scotland.
What We Do
We’ve been training search and rescue dogs since 1984.
Search & Rescue dogs have been in use in Great Britain for over one Hundred years. From searching battlefields for wounded soldiers in WWI, to their modern day use on the mountainside, they are credited with saving thousands of lives with their incredible ability to detect human scent. Although recognised for their use in finding missing persons, it wasn’t until 1964, that the first training course in the UK took place. Organised by the legendary Hamish MacInnes, it’s success led to the establishment of the first SARDA the following year. Since then it has expanded into a network of dedicated and highly skilled individuals which we are proud to be a part of.
Founded by Bill Jenison in 1984, SARDA Southern Scotland have trained…
Coming soon.
Being a handler.
Coming soon.
Being a body. Our bodies play the role of a lost or injured person on the mountainside. They willingly endure all weathers and tackle difficult terrain. They can spend hours remaining ‘hidden’ in place, so that our search dogs can train in realistic scenarios and diverse conditions.
Armed with a bivvy bag, a radio and a rucksack full of food, hot drink and warm clothing, they make our training weekends far more effective and rewarding for our search dogs.
See it in action
Watch Dog Handler Kirstie Smith and Search Dog Caileag carrying out a search during a training exercise in June 2018.
