A roaring success

The Bikers Cove, neighbours and friends of RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat Station, hosted a custom bike show at the end of July – and it was certainly a 'triumph'. Over 400 bikers from all over Scotland – Aberdeen to Stranraer and Dunbar to Largs – attended the bike show and barbecue organised by Kev Meldrum of Edinburgh. The event included raffles, auctions, live music and home-baking stalls. And when RNLI Queensferry lifeboat Crew Members Iain Leil, Michael Garfitt and Ross Denver returned from assisting a dismasted catamaran in stormy conditions off Dalgety Bay that day, they were in for a surprise. Kev, and the other generous motorcycle enthusiasts, rewarded their bravery with an amazing £2,238!

Welcome to your selection of community news for Scotland. For all the latest rescue and fundraising stories from where you are, head to RNLI.org/NewsCentre

Feel-good fundraising

The Kinghorn Lifeboat Open Day, which included two in-water lifeboat demonstrations, was a resounding success. Under clear skies,
around 800 people opened their hearts – and their wallets – raising nearly £5,000. The event was opened by the 'royal party' from the town’s children’s gala, followed by a spectacular display from the tug Cramond from Hound Point, showing her firefighting capability and manoeuvrability. Supporters were also treated to displays from the local Coastguard Rescue Team and Army Reserve, a team of Newfoundland rescue dogs, and the Lang Toun Model Boat Club. This was complemented by traditional games and plenty of stalls selling home baking, plants, and lifeboat gifts. Lifeboat Operations Manager Alan McIlravie said: ‘Fundraising events like the Open Day help fund the RNLI’s service; it costs nearly £460,000 each day to run the RNLI.’

STEPPING UP

Alex Ellis-Roswell (23) from Kent, set out from home on 3 August 2014 with a goal of walking the entire UK coastline to raise funds for the RNLI. September found Alex in south Ayrshire, heading north to Girvan Lifeboat Station after extending his route in August to include Ireland. Throughout his epic journey, Alex has stayed close to the sea. Using the RNLI’s network of 46 lifeboat stations in Scotland as waypoints gives Alex the chance to meet the volunteers whose lifesaving work his funds are helping – and share his tales from the road over supper from time to time! Along the way, Alex has worn out six pairs of boots and raised over £26,500 for the RNLI. To donate to the RNLI on Alex’s fundraising page go to:
bit.ly/2e11rMa.

Dram generous

A private collection of 200 bottles of blended and malt whiskies went under the hammer at Dingwall and Highland Marts in September and raised £8,176 for Kessock lifeboat volunteers. Robbie Gordon Munro, a Royal Navy veteran, started collecting the bottles in 2009 after he went on the Malt Whisky trail with his brother. When the collection became too big to keep at home, Robbie (pictured right with fundraisers from the Inverness and North Kessock Branch) decided to donate proceeds of its sale to the RNLI at Kessock. He said: ‘RNLI volunteers are unsung heroes. Giving up time, as they do, is more valuable than anything.’ Dan Holland, volunteer Helm at Kessock, said: ‘To raise over £8,000 is incredible. This will make a significant difference to helping save lives on the water around he Beauly and Moray Firths.’

WHAT'S ON

Details might have changed since going to print, so please check in advance to avoid disappointment. To find out what else is on near you, see RNLI.org/events.

MEET THE TEAM
Dobbie's, Monifieth, Dundee.
Sunday 8 January and Sunday 5 February
Meet your local fundraisers, browse the sales, and find out how you can get more involved in your RNLI community. Contact Rachel Stewart on [email protected] for more information.

ARBROATH SUP OUR SOUPS
Old and Abbey Church Hall, Arbroath Wednesday 8 February, 12–2pm Arbroath fundraisers are sending out an SOS to RNLI supporters. Come along for a cup of warm soup and help raise money for the RNLI. Contact Mo Morrison on 07990 850917 or
[email protected].

TROSSACHS BRANCH SAVOURY SUPPER
Callander Youth Hostel, Callander, Perthshire
Friday 17th February 7.30pm
Join Trossachs branch for some Friday night fundraising and enjoy a warming and savoury buffet to boot. Tickets are £12 from the honourable secretary on 01877 331429.