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Longhope RNLI bids farewell to longtime volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer

Lifeboats News Release

On 9 January 2024, during a small but poignant presentation held at Longhope RNLI Lifeboat Station, Mary Harris was recognised for her twenty years of service and commitment, and her time as the volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer.

RNLI/Vicky Mackinnon

Mary who became involved with Longhope RNLI in 2004 said: ‘I started photographing and recording Longhope lifeboat activities in 2004, on the exciting day when RNLB The Queen Mother came to Longhope to be our new lifeboat. In 2011 I took over our lifeboat Facebook page, and I have been amazed at the loyal support of our followers from all over the world.

'Over the following years my interest grew and in 2012 I became the first Lifeboat Press Officer for Longhope RNLI. I would like to thank Craig Taylor who used to be chief reporter for The Orcadian newspaper, for his huge amount of support and enthusiasm.

'I have total respect for all our crew members, past and present. They are just island folk but they have hearts of gold, full of courage, determination and compassion. I feel honoured to have known them and to have witnessed what they have achieved in order to save lives at sea. I will now hand over to Vicky Mackinnon, who I’m sure, will do a great job in this role.

'I would like to thank Richard Smith RNLI for all his amazing support and guidance in my training. Thank you also to Natasha Bennett RNLI who has been a pleasure to work with. Thanks also to our previous Coxswain Kevin Kirkpatrick for his long time support and patience and for making me laugh, a lot. Finally, thank you to the lifeboat crew and our new Coxswain Scott Johnson, for their gentleness towards me and for tolerating this grumpy old mother hen fussing around them, trying to get yet another photo or story. ‘Hands out of pockets boys’.

'Needless to say I will still be watching and waiting for our boat to come home, probably with the usual tear in my eye but as always, so proud of our team.’

The role of volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer has now been assumed by Vicky Mackinnon. Vicky said: ‘I am absolutely delighted to volunteer as the Lifeboat Press Officer. As a Royal Navy veteran of 22 years, I have the utmost respect for the sea and the danger that it poses, along with complete admiration for the volunteer crews who give up their own time, placing themselves in danger to protect and save the lives of others. This includes my husband and son, who are both members of the Longhope RNLI crew. So, when the opportunity to take on this role came about, I grabbed it with both hands. I am really looking forward to being part of the team, although I recognise that I have very big boots to fill.’

Coxswain, Scott Johnson said: ‘Mary has been part of the team for many years and has done a fantastic job of highlighting the good work that Longhope RNLI does. Her commitment and dedication to the team is without question and she will be sorely missed. Vicky will now step into the role and we are delighted to welcome her to the team. I’m sure she’ll do a great job.’

If you are interested in volunteering for the RNLI either pop into Longhope Lifeboat station or find out more about the opportunities available near you at www.rnli.org/volroles.

Notes to editors

· Longhope Lifeboat Station has operated an all-weather lifeboat since 1874 and the crews have been honoured with 26 awards for gallantry.

· The station witnessed tragedy when in 1969, the lifeboat was lost with all eight crew members whilst responding to an emergency.

· Longhope RNLI has a Tamar Class lifeboat, the Helen Comrie.


RNLI media contacts

Vicky Mackinnon, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07703 688066,[email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Tom McGuire, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland and Ireland, 00353 87 476 4436, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920365929, [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 146,000 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.

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