Fraserburgh RNLI receive donation from Widows Sons Scotland

Ian had also been our Lifeboat Operations Manager for the past six years, a role he has filled with distinction and which he retired from at the end of May, with everyone sorry to see him go.

Lots of families were enjoying the activities and displays at the Fraserburgh Lifeboat Open Day and didn’t notice the low rumble of motorcycles engines in the distance at first. However that changed as word spread through the crowd that the Widows Sons would be there soon and people made their way to the edge of the lifeboat station to greet their arrival.

All eyes were on Shore Street for a sight worth waiting for. It was a magnificent spectacle as a synchronised procession of motorcycles, chrome gleaming in the sunlight, rolled into view and parkedup at the front of the Fraserburgh Lifeboat Station and being welcomed by RNLI crew and admiring spectators.

The Widows Sons was originally established in America by a group of Freemasons with a passion for both Freemasonry and Motorcycles. Since its formation in 1998 it has spread throughout the globe and is now a worldwide organisation spanning numerous continents.

Widows Sons Scotland Masonic Riders Association (WSSMRA) was established in 2005 and has grown since its formation into 3 distinct chapters each with a President, Vice President, Warden and various other officials and have a membership of around 250 freemasons.

A goal of the Widows Sons Scotland is to raise funds and distribute to national and local charities and good causes, over the last 6 years over £75,000 has been distributed by the chapters supporting organisations such as the RNLI, Prostate Scotland, Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA), Blood Bikes, Children’s Hospitals, Hospices, Schools and various other charities and good causes.

All funds generated are from various events ran by Widows Sons Scotland and by generous donations and contributions by their own members, supporters and friends of the association.

Widows Sons Scotland are proud to be able to support organisations and charities including the RNLI throughout the country and thank them all for the essential services they provide to the public and communities they serve.

At the FraserburghLifeboat Open Day they mixed with the crowds before assembling at the Memorial Statue for a photo call and the cheque presentation.

Lots of the members of the Widows Sons live near the coast and know of the work of the lifeboat and of its importance to the coastal communities. Some of the members have organised fundraisers for various RNLI stations in the past.

Past President Ian Smith in presenting the cheque said that he knew all too well how the RNLI depends on fundraising of all different kinds, and how well the money is used by Fraserburgh Lifeboat.

Fraserburgh RNLI Coxswain Vic Sutherland thanked Ian for all he’d done at the station over the last six years and said : ‘We’re all very grateful for the the Widow Sons Scotland for thinking of us and their donation today will help us to save lives at sea.'

Notes to editors

Fraserburgh lifeboat station has been operating since 1858. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/fraserburgh-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

Billy Watson, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Stuart Fenty, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Natasha Rushby, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager 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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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