Since December 2025, Finlay Murray, a member of the 1st Troon Boys’ Brigade Company, has taken part in a Youth Volunteer Activity Programme at Troon RNLI lifeboat station.
1st Troon Boys' Brigade
Finlay being congratulated by Mr Johnson on completing the hours of volunteering required. Former Troon lifeboat Coxswain Ian Johnson wears the type of oilskin and lifejacket that he used when he became a crewmember in 1965. Finlay, his grandson, wears the up-to-date versions of the same.
Attending at the lifeboat station on a weekly basis, Finlay took part in this programme as he worked towards the highest award he can receive in the Boys' Brigade, namely the King’s Badge. This award involves the candidate fulfilling various tasks in Skills, Physical and Volunteering. The award is similar to the Gold Standard of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.
Finlay’s attendance at the lifeboat station, along with the Boys' Brigade Company Safeguarding Officer, Mr I.J. Johnson, to take part in the section of 'Volunteering for Others' was arranged by the RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager Bob McMaster, Troon Lifeboat Operations Manager Jim Redmond and Troon Lifeboat Coxswain Josh Middleton. The subjects covered included station maintenance, PPE and lifejackets through to launching and recovering of our D-class inshore lifeboat and Casualty Care.
Mr Johnson said, 'Finlay and I would like to thank all those involved at Troon lifeboat station who gave their time, skills and expertise on Thursday nights with understanding and patience. It was greatly appreciated.'
Troon Lifeboat Operations Manager Jim Redmond said, 'We were delighted and honoured to welcome Finlay to the lifeboat station as he worked towards his award. On behalf of everyone at Troon RNLI, thank you for your commitment and hard work every week at the lifeboat station and we wish you all the very best as you continue your journey towards gaining your Kings Badge.'
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
