Loch Ness RNLI volunteer invited to Royal Garden Party

Part of ‘Royal Week’ in Scotland, The Royal Garden Party celebrates those who have made positive contributions to Scottish communities with His Majesty The King and Queen Camilla hosting guests at the Palace. Each year, RNLI volunteers are nominated to attend this special event to be recognised for their outstanding service to the charity.

Joanna was invited in recognition of her service to the RNLI over the past 17 years, as one of the first two women to join the Loch Ness RNLI crew when the Loch Ness lifeboat station was first established in 2008.

Joanna joined the crew as Box Secretary before becoming Deputy Launch Authority in 2012. In 2017, Joanna became Scotland’s first female Lifeboat Operations Manager in modern history.

Joanna said: ‘I was honoured to be nominated by the RNLI to attend the Royal Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. I’m proud to still be part of the crew after 17 years and grateful that my service was recognised at such a special event. I attended The Garden Party with my husband Neil who has also been on the crew since it was established in 2008, and it was fantastic to share this experience together. It was a great day for both of us and one that I’ll never forget.’

In December 2024, Joanna also received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of five years of continuous service, along with another six members of the volunteer crew. Created to mark the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in 2023, the commemorative medals are awarded to members of the armed forces and emergency service personnel who have completed five years of continuous service and were in service at the time of the coronation.

Notes to editors

· Loch Ness RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 2008. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Loch Ness Lifeboat Station - RNLI Lifeboat Stations

RNLI media contacts

Lynsey Macready-Morgan, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Natasha Rushby, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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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