Lothians Raynet is affiliated to The Radio Amateurs Emergency Network - RAYNET- in the United Kingdom. Lothians Raynet was set up about 20 years ago after the Emergency Planning Officer for Edinburgh contacted some of our members with a view to seeing if a local RAYNET group existed or if not, could be formed to assist other local community organisations with specialised communications skills on an 'as and when required' basis. The Council Emergency Planning Officers - CEPO, in the City of Edinburgh together with those in East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian, have provided us with considerable support over the years. Aerials for our use are installed on several council owned buildings, and Dual-Band VHF-UHF radios are ready to go into action whenever needed. We also have available a number of dual band mobile radios as well as handhelds with aerials etc.

Lothians Raynet was recently awarded a substantial grant from the Awards for All scheme which allocates funds from the UK National Lottery to worthy causes. This grant will used to renew and enhance our equipment base.

Let us know your communication needs:-

If you are organising an event in the Edinburgh and Lothians area, which could benefit from improved communication please send me an email. Even if your event is outside our 'nominal' area we may be able to assist or put you in contact to other more local Raynet groups.

Among the many previous events where Lothians Raynet has provided assistance include the following:

• Tour de Forth sponsored cycle ride in aid of Capability Scotland. This annual 50 mile ride started at Cramond Brig, Edinburgh and took participants over the Forth Bridge, via the Kincardine bridge, finishing at the Barnton Hotel.
• The Scottish Endurance Riding Club - SERC - arrange a number of riding events throughout Scotland. These are long distance cross-country events of up to 50 miles per day testing the endurance of horses and riders. Over the past few years Lothians Raynet have assisted at a number of their events including the Scottish Championship rides, providing both safety coverage and a valued competitor progress update.
  For details of a recent SERC event go Lothians Raynet on Exercise.
• East West cycle ride following canal towpaths, disused railway lines between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
• BUPA 10K race around Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park.
• South Queensferry half marathon.
• Pentland classic - a mountain bike event in the Pentland hills.
• The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) organised several sponsored cycle events around Edinburgh. The route used cycle ways and took participants from SAMH Headquarters, in Gardner Crescent, towards Currie, passing Heriot-Watt University, before heading North towards Cramond, Victoria Park and the return to HQ. The total distance was approximately 35 miles. Raynet operators were present at HQ, Cramond, Victoria Park, Russell Road.

Would you like to join us?

We are always on the lookout for new members. If you live in Edinburgh, the Lothians or within easy travelling distance, is a licensed radio amateur or interested in becoming one, and/or would like to find out how you can assist us, get in touch with one of us, and you will be made most welcome by all of the team. The present Office Bearer's are:

GM3OWU - Vic, Group Controller
GM0AXY - Ken, Deputy Controller and Equipment Officer
MM0ASB - Rob, Membership Secretary
GM0MUO - Peter, Treasurer

You can contact any of us through the usual callbook addresses or you can send me an email.

More on Raynet in the United Kingdom

Webmaster and Contact gm0axy@ic24.net
Updated 20th of October, 2004

© GM0AXY