Tobermory's harbour was a hive of activity as visitors and locals alike attended the annual Lifeboat Day on Sunday 19 August.
As the good weather continued on the Isle of Mull, visitors and islanders enjoyed a wide variety of activities ashore and afloat, including stalls, a barbecue and boat trips around the bay, as well as an opportunity to go aboard the Severn Class lifeboat and meet the volunteer crew.
Highlights of the afternoon included a services raft race during which the Tobermory RNLI crew managed to avenge last year's defeat by the local Fire Brigade, as well as the main raft race which saw rafts of all shapes and sizes compete across the bay. There was a tinge of disappointment as the helicopter exercise had to be cancelled as the Royal Navy's search and rescue helicopter, Rescue 177 was called away on a 'shout'. However, this was quickly forgotten as the Tobermory lifeboat 'rescued' two of its crew members from a liferaft in the bay - having soaked them with a fire hose first.
The afternoon also saw the return of Tobermory lifeboat volunteer crew member, Tom Marsland with West Yorkshire Fire Service member Dave Tattersfield who have just finished a marathon trip around the UK in Tom's plumber's van visiting 199 lifeboat stations to raise funds for the RNLI and the Fire Fighters' Charity. Tom and Dave arrived in a Pennine Rescue ambulance as the turbo on Tom's van had blown on the penultimate day of the trip.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Ian Stevens said: 'It was great to see so many people enjoying themselves on the highlight of our fundraising calendar and particularly to see youngsters having fun on the water safely. As a charity, the RNLI relies on fundraising days such as these and every penny helps its volunteer crews safe lives at sea. Everyone at Tobermory Lifeboat Station would like to thank all those who worked so hard to make Lifeboat Day such a success yet again, as well as those who came along and helped us raise money for the RNLI. We look forward to welcoming you again next year.'
Notes for editors
• The attached photograph shows Tobermory's Second Coxswain James Fairbairns showing two young visitors a liferaft.
RNLI media contacts
Sam Jones, Tobermory RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, 07747 601900, sam.j.jones@btinternet.com
Richard Smith, RNLI Public Relations Manager for Scotland, 01738 642956, 07786 668903, richard_smith2@rnli.org.uk
Henry Weaver, RNLI Press Officer for Scotland, 01738 642946, 07771 943026, henry_weaver@rnli.org.uk
RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.