Tobermory Lifeboat Day raises funds to save lives at sea

On a beautiful, dry summer day, Tobermory RNLI’s Lifeboat Day kicked off with the all-weather Severn Class lifeboat, Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey, opening to visitors to look around the boat and meet the volunteer crew. Throughout the day, nearly 250 visitors boarded the lifeboat to find out more about our lifesaving operations, chatted with the crew and donated generously.

On dry land, there were games to play, including the every-popular human fruit machine, ‘splat the rat’ with the rats newly kitted out in handmade kilts and ‘spot the salmon’. There were stalls to browse from local organisations and our own Sea Safety stall providing advice on how to stay safe on the water. The day was also attended by crew and vehicles from the Tobermory Coastguard Rescue Team, The Scottish Ambulance Service and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, whom we often work closely with on service calls.

To provide fuel for the day, visitors could enjoy a selection of generously donated baked goods, Isle of Mull Ice Cream and locally sourced burgers from the barbeque. Our stalls and barbeque were supported by Tobermory Co-op, Hook’d, Tobermory Bakery, Glengorm and Tobermory Stores. In addition, prizes for stalls were provided by Sgriob-ruadh Farm, Island Bakery, Tobermory Distillery, Tobermory Fish Company and Tobermory Chocolate Shop. We are very thankful for such support.

Master of Ceremonies, Alasdair Satchel, did a marvellous job of keeping the crowds entertained and informed throughout the day with musical interludes provided by The Natural Voices Choir and MullUkes. Boat tours around the bay were given by Tobermory Bay Tours with all their takings from the day donated to the RNLI.

Towards the end of the day was the eagerly awaited raft race. After the retiral of five-time winners, the Anderson twins, the trophy was up for grabs. The winning raft was crewed by the fire brigade, which included the twins’ elder brother, so the trophy stays in the family! Well done to all those who took part.

The raffle brought the day to a close. The raffle is always well-supported by local businesses and individuals with a superb selection of donated prizes. This year the first prize was provided by Turus Mara and the businesses on Ulva; Ulva Ferry, The Boathouse and Ulva Hostel all contributed to the ‘Ulva Package’. Second prize was from Tiree Golf Course and the Balinoe Campsite on Tiree. Other prizes were donated by The Western Isles Hotel, Café Fish, The Mishnish, An Cala Ciuin, An Camas, The Tobermory Distillery, MacGochans, Holly Maclean, Irene Sproat and Fisherman’s Pier Seafood. Thank you so much to everyone who donated.

Thanks to The Harbour Association for hosting the day, to Rob MacDonald for the PA system and Morven Summers and the Aros Hall for the loan of the gazebos.

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Dawn Reade said: ‘It is very heartening that so many people came out to support our Lifeboat Day and help us to reach a such a fantastic total. The volunteer fundraisers, crew and staff all put in a huge effort leading up to the event as well as on the day itself. Without government funding for the RNLI, the organisation relies on thousands of efforts like these, across the country, to support us in saving lives at sea.’

The total raised on the day was nearly £5000 and we would like to thank everyone who came along and made it a fantastic day, all the businesses and individuals who donated towards the day, and to all those behind the scenes who made it happen. We look forward to welcoming everyone again next year. Tapadh leibh uile.

RNLI media contacts

Leanne Blair, Tobermory RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, 07711549609, [email protected]

Richard Smith, Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789 [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.