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Skye RNLI volunteer using a unique approach to combat mental health struggles
A volunteer RNLI crew member on the Isle of Skye will release a self-produced film later this month about how using a unique photography practice is helping him to overcome a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder diagnosis.
Si Riddell, who joined Portree RNLI in 2025, has created the film entitled Peak Perseverance, which documents the process of shooting Victorian wet plate collodion photographs taken in the breathtaking landscapes of the Cuillin mountains.
The film also documents Si’s journey through the loss of his father in 2016, the Covid-19 pandemic, and his emotional journey through a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and subsequent treatment using Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy.
The main objective of the film is to raise awareness and inspire positivity surrounding mental health and recovery from PTSD.
The wet plate collodion photography technique, which dates back to the 19th century, requires Si to prepare, expose and develop each photographic plate while it is still wet – no matter the surrounding location, including whilst still in the mountains. It is a technique that is only practised by a small number of people around the world today.
One of the plates is currently on exhibition at Inverness Castle, amongst other coastline and people portraits.
Speaking about the project and film, Si said:
‘Every finished plate is proof. I didn’t just survive the storm; I captured it.
‘Carrying my heavy gear into the peaks matched the invisible burden in my mind. But, through the lens, the weight breaks away. Peace is found in the highest precipice.’
The film will be premiered on the YouTube channel (@SRfilmphotography4480) at 8pm on 12 September.
ENDS
Notes to editors
· All photos and videos in this press release should be credited to the name displayed on the file name.
· Portree Lifeboat Station was established in 1991. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/portree-lifeboat-station
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Robert MacInnes, Lifeboat Press Officer at Portree RNLI: 07950 421829 / [email protected]
Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland: 07826 900639 / [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland: 07920 365929 / [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
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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.
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