Mallaig RNLI Lifeboat Station welcomes new Coxswain

The Mallaig RNLI Lifeboat Station is welcoming its new full-time Coxswain David Fergusson; who starts his new role in the beginning of June. He replaces Michael Iain Currie who was previously Coxswain of the station for 16 years. David is vacating his role as the Estate Manager of the rural Camusrory Estate, at the head of Loch Nevis along from Knoydart, to become the station leader.

David’s history with the RNLI so far has been on the side requesting assistance rather than responding to it. He had to call for help a couple of times when working and living as the Estate Manager at Camusrory Estate. A quad biking accident, fire and then head injury to his wife after an icy slip meant he had come into contact with the Mallaig RNLI volunteer crew quite frequently this year. It had quite an impact on him as he stated:

‘I was blown away by the quick response we got from the lifeboat crew a couple of times out at Camusrory. It was very inspiring and motivated me to apply for the Mallaig RNLI Coxswain job. It’s quite something to step into and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.’

David has some intense training to get through over the next while to get up to speed with the RNLI procedures. He will be guided by the Mallaig RNLI volunteer crew members to learn about their all-weather Severn class lifeboat the Henry Alston Hewat as well as some time spent at the RNLI training headquarters in Poole before passing out.

He and his wife Carol have now moved to Mallaig with their pack of 6 dogs; to a house overlooking the lifeboat in the harbour. They feel lucky that everything has fallen into place for them and are looking forward to meeting more people in the community.

Notes to editors

· Mallaig lifeboat station has been operating since 1948. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Mallaig Lifeboat Station - RNLI Lifeboat Stations

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Jessica Logan, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

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

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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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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