As if they won’t face enough challenges, the RNLI’s newest crew will be keeping an eye out for monsters as the charity takes over the Coastguard rescue station on Loch Ness.

At the time of writing, a trial was about to begin of an Atlantic 75 inshore lifeboat from the RNLI’s relief fleet, to make sure that this is the right craft for the scenarios likely to be encountered. Her crew is hoped to comprise the Coastguard volunteers already at Drumnadrochit, who would receive full training and equipment, with a view to formally establishing the station from April 2008.

Gareth Wilson, Deputy Divisional Inspector for the RNLI in Scotland, said: ‘The RNLI is looking forward to working with the local community, whose involvement is key to the success of the RNLI’s lifesaving service. We are grateful for all the support local people have given us since we announced the proposal.’

The current Drumnadrochit rescue boat responds to up to 24 incidents a year. Former Coastguard Manager and now Lifeboat Operations Manager Mike Armitage said: ‘The Coastguard has operated a rescue boat on the loch since 1995, and the change to the RNLI will ensure that this vital service is maintained. The RNLI is a world leader in operating dedicated and professional lifeboats.’