“Cairngorm John” is the call sign used by Royal Air Force rescue helicopters to contact John Allen, the former Team Leader of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team. His book, written with the assistance of Robert Davidson, gives a detailed and personal account of 4 decades with the mountain rescue services in the Highlands of Scotland. However, far from being specific to any one country, Allen's experiences will be relevant to anyone who has had something go wrong when in the mountains!

Through well-presented cases the author describes a number of key developments in mountain rescue, including the expanded use of helicopters, introduction of rescue dogs, and use of the mobile telephone. Indeed, in later years, Allen could proudly claim to have “rescued” several lost groups from the comfort of his own home. Over the telephone he would simply ask them to turn towards the sun and describe what they could see. Given his enormous local knowledge it rarely took long to pinpoint where they were and direct them in the right direction.

Allen also confronts political controversies. The impact of the Cairngorm Plateau Disaster and the deaths of 6 schoolchildren are discussed with sensitivity, as is the environmental damage caused by building the Cairngorm Funicular Railway and the proposals for a full-time “professional” mountain rescue service. While the details are specific to the Highlands, these issues resonate strongly across the world.

Perhaps what is most engaging about the book is the author's humility. Despite their beauty, Allen realizes that the mountains have the potential to cause serious harm, and that we as humans can often do little about it. He concludes,

Beyond our skills and strength, expertise and experience, we must accept the world as it is, including change however tragic. All we can do is mind how we go on the earth and look after each other and, if we cannot turn sadness into joy, or death back into life, friendship and remembering will have to do.