Tobermory Lifeboat Day 2023 raises funds to save lives at sea
Sunday 13 August saw the return of Tobermory Lifeboat Day which has raised more than £3000 to help train and kit out our volunteer crew, and launch the all-weather lifeboat to those in need
After a dreich start, Tobermory Lifeboat Day kicked off with the Severn class lifeboat, Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey, arriving alongside the pontoons and was made open to visitors to tour and meet the crew. Over 300 people were shown around over the course of the day and donated generously. Ashore, advice was available from our Sea Safety stall, there was a variety of stalls and games to enjoy (including the ever-popular human fruit and welly machine) and the Coastguard Rescue Team were on hand with their vehicle and equipment displays.
The crowds were kept expertly informed and entertained (with a terrible selection of marine-themed jokes!) by Master of Ceremonies, Alasdair Satchel. Later in the day, Alasdair switched to the role of auctioneer and held the auction for donated lobsters, a superb cake featuring our lifeboat and Rubha Nan Gall lighthouse made by Joyce Malcolm, and a selection of charts and geological maps donated by Judy Fairbairns; the wife of our much-missed alate chairman Popz.
Musical interludes were provided by local choir ‘Natural Voices’ and ‘MullUkes’ on their ukeleles. Through the showers, visitors enjoyed locally sourced burgers from the barbecue, wood-fired pizza, locally made ice cream and a dazzling choice of donated baked goods.
Cheques totalling nearly £650 were presented to Lifeboat Operations Manager, Dr Sam Jones, from funds raised from a concert put on by Tobermory Church and from the Tobermory Distillery.
The day rounded off with the much-awaited raft race. Seven rafts set off from Tobermory Beach and made their way to the slip amidst cheers from the crowd. After a close finish with the Tobermory Scouts’ raft, the winning raft crewed by Hugh, Seonaidh, Finn and Oliver took the trophy for the second year running (and for the fourth year in succession for brothers Hugh and Seonaidh!)
The total raised is currently more than £3000 with some more donations still to be added. The day was a resounding success and after all the hard work behind the scenes, the highlight of our fundraising year. The day wouldn’t have been possible with the generosity of a multitude of people and businesses to which we extend our sincere gratitude.
RNLI media contacts
Leanne Blair, Tobermory RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07711549609 or [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, 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 charity 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 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.