Longhope RNLI to receive £2400 donation from special collaboration

Local woman, Maureen White, who was raised and continues to live in Longhope was taught by her granny, as a child, to knit. Maureen developed her skills over the years and has become a very accomplished and artistic knitter.

Her son, Ruairidh, who works on the island ferry, is a volunteer crew member at Longhope RNLI. Ruairidh often wears one of his intricate Fair Isle patterned jumpers knitted by his mum.

One day, a film crew were visiting the island of Hoy and noticed the familiar sight of Ruairidh, in his jumper, directing cars onto the ferry. The film crew were visiting for a fashion shoot for Johnston's of Elgin, the UK’s largest producer of luxury cashmere and fine woollen products. They recognised that Ruairidh’s jumper was a uniquely designed and beautifully created product. They spoke to Ruairidh about its origin and took some photographs, and so the story evolves.

Johnston’s of Elgin is a rather special, family owned business with an outstanding ethos regarding their products. They state: ‘We feel drawn to individuals and brands that share our core values- the craftsmanship, heritage, innovation and community focus.’

After the company spoke to Maureen, she was invited to knit a small number of jumpers, head bands and hats in cashmere, lambswool and Shetland lambswool which they provided. Cashmere was a new challenge for Maureen but with patient dedication she was able to adapt her skills. And so the collaboration began.

Not surprisingly her work was sold within two days!

Finally, because of the integrity and strong ethical values of Johnston's of Elgin, 100% of the profits from her limited edition knits, which amounted to a staggering £2400, will be donated to Longhope RNLI Lifeboat Station.

Maureen and her husband Tam run a very popular Bed and Breakfast, just a few yards from the pier where the lifeboat is stationed. Gazing down to the small harbour Maureen said: ‘I was raised in Longhope and I like the peace and quiet and our community. On this small island the lifeboat service is a huge part of the community. We’re just by the sea, so it affects everybody.’

Hats off, whether they’re knitted in cashmere or wool, to Maureen, Ruairidh, and Johnston's of Elgin and a massive thank you for helping save lives at sea.

Notes to editors

· Longhope lifeboat station has been operating since 1874. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to:https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/longhope-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

Written by Mary Harris.

Vicky Mackinnon Lifeboat Press Officer, [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

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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 146,000 lives.

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