Welcome to your community news for Scotland. For all the latest from where you are, head to RNLI.org/news

Photos: The Press and Journal, RNLI/(Buckie, Longhope, Mary Harris)

Local stations mark 50th anniversary of Longhope disaster

On 17 March, RNLI volunteers and supporters came together to mark 50 years since the 1969 loss of eight Longhope crew and their lifeboat TGB. The tragedy shook the small Hoy community of Brims and affected every family in the village. A flotilla of lifeboats, from Longhope, Stromness, Thurso and Wick, opened proceedings in front of Longhope Lifeboat Museum, with a maroon firing and wreath laying on the water by the Longhope crew. A 2-minute silence followed for those ashore and afloat, and a second maroon signalled the end of the silence. Speeches, poetry, song and a guard of honour followed under sombre skies. The Longhope Disaster happened on a dark March night, when
Longhope volunteers went to the rescue of the steamship Irene, run aground on the Caithness coast. At 9.28pm, the final radio signal came in – after which, all fell silent. TGB was found upturned the next day by Thurso lifeboat. All eight of the crew lost their lives. Their names were: Jimmy Johnston, Robbie Johnston, Robert (Sodjer Bob) Johnston, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Jack Kirkpatrick, Ray Kirkpatrick, Eric McFadyen, James Swanson. You can read the full story of the Longhope Disaster at RNLI.org/LonghopeDisaster.

Coldingham Bay

Scottish lifeguard to swim English Channel

Coldingham Bay Lifeguard Jennifer Laffan is challenging herself to swim across the English Channel in October to raise money for the RNLI. Jennifer originally set her heart on the iconic open water swimming challenge in her very first year at school! She says she draws inspiration for the swim from a respect for the way her two brothers – one is autistic and the other has a severe disability – take on everyday challenges. At age 18 she completed a 10km open water swim and now the finish line is the French coast. Jennifer says: ‘All the donations pledged will go straight to the RNLI. They’re a great bunch of people who are selfless. My dad Seamus and all of my family are really supportive – my brother David always tells me “good swim” and I know that if James understood he would be proud.
‘I’m confident I can do it but nervous, as even 14ºC feels cold after 10 hours and you’re only allowed to wear a swimsuit!’ You can follow Jennifer’s training progress

Buckie

BUCKIE LIFESAVERS RECOGNISED IN HEROES AWARDS

Congratulations to Buckie Lifeboat Station volunteers who were recognised in the Moray and Banffshire Heroes 2019 awards. They won the very first Hero of Heroes award, plus the Emergency Service or Armed Forces Heroes of the Year award. During the awards night in April the crew were called out to a trawler in difficulty. Coxswain Alan Robertson, says: ‘We’re just delighted to win. Everyone here is just chuffed. It is recognition for the commitment and dedication of our volunteers, who are prepared to drop whatever they’re doing when the
pagers go off to come to the aid of people in distress at sea. We’re hugely grateful for everyone who nominated us.’

WHAT’S ON

Lifeboat open days happen all around Scotland throughout the summer months and are a highlight in the calendar. Check in with your nearby lifeboat stations – or ones where you’re on holiday – to find out when theirs are.

LARGS ANNUAL STREET COLLECTION
Saturday 13 July 2019
Millport, Cumbrae
Meet fellow supporters and volunteers from Largs and hear about the work of the RNLI locally. For more information, contact Claire Taylor on 0300 3000 128 or [email protected].
PORTPATRICK LIFEBOAT WEEK
Sunday 28 July to Sunday 4 August 2019
Portpatrick, Dumfries and Galloway Details of Portpatrick’s 2019 lifeboat week are currently being finalised, with lots of family-friendly lifeboat fun and activities set to take place. For more information
contact Claire Taylor on 0300 3000 128 or
[email protected].
RNLI MAGIC SHOW
Friday 30 August, 7pm
The Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen
Expect the unexpected in a magical extravaganza suitable for ages 8–108. Featuring incredible feats of magic, mind-reading, escapology and illusion from the north east’s top magicians. In aid of Aberdeen lifeboat and in association with Aberdeen Magical Society. Tickets available from the Tivoli Theatre Box Office on 01224 641122.

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