Donate now

RNLI 200 Scroll arrives at Tobermory RNLI on its second stop in Scotland

Lifeboats News Release

Tobermory RNLI's volunteers came together to sign the RNLI 200 scroll as well as celebrate two long service awards on Sunday 16 June 2024.

RNLI 200 Scroll in Tobermory

RNLI/Nina Pope

RNLI 200 Scroll in Tobermory
The scroll began its journey on Monday 4 March 2024, at a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey to mark the charity’s official 200th anniversary, (where Tobermory RNLI also had three attendees). Since then, the five-metre-long scroll has been making its way round the UK and Ireland in an electric transit van called Connie supplied by Ford UK. The spindle attached to the scroll was made by the team at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole and the the spindle ends were crafted by a boatbuilding technician using a 19th-century flagpole from Ramsey Lifeboat Station, Isle of Man. This flagpole dates back to the early 1890s, when Ramsey's Norbury Boathouse was built.

The RNLI’s One Crew pledge is on the scroll in which volunteers promise their commitment to saving every one they can, without judgment and staying true to Sir William Hillary’s vision when he founded the charity in 1824. Lifesavers from across the UK and Ireland, and the RNLI's patron, president, and chief executive, are signing the scroll to recognise all that the RNLI has achieved so far as the charity marks its special anniversary year. Printed on bamboo paper, the scroll is travelling through RNLI communities far and wide during 2024. Tobermory marks the scroll's second stop in Scotland.

The scroll was carried onto the Cal Mac pier by Station Coxswain David McHaffie and Station Mechanic Paul 'Gunny' Gunn and led by local piper and retained firefighter Calum MacLean. After Lifeboat Operations Manager Dr Sam Jones read the One Crew pledge, four representatives of Tobermory RNLI lifeboat station signed the scroll: Station Coxswain David McHaffie, Station Treasurer Wendy Brown, Shop Manager Sarah Smith and Water Safety Officer and Deputy Mechanic Tony 'Kiwi' Spillane.

RNLI long service medals were also presented to two stalwarts of the station. Dr Sam presented a medal to Launch Authority Ian Elwis who previously served on the crew and has more than 20 years' service. Dr Sam also presented Andi Stevens with Ian Steven's 20 year medal. Ian is the station's deputy chairman and previously served as crew and lifeboat operations manager. Volunteers and their friends and families then returned to the station celebrate a historic occasion for Tobermory RNLI.

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Dr Sam Jones said: 'On the scroll is the RNLI’s One Crew pledge in which we promise our commitment to work together to save every one we can. All of our volunteers at the station are lifesavers as it takes more than just the crew to launch the lifeboat. It was very special to come together as our one crew to celebrate the signing of the scroll by four key people at the station who represent operations, fundraising, our shop and water safety. It was also an absolute privilege to be able to present two long service medals. Both Ian Elwis and Ian Stevens epitomise the RNLI's volunteer ethos and we are all grateful to their commitment and service for over two decades to the communities on Mull and beyond. Many thanks to our piper, Calum MacLean and our photographer Nina Pope as well as the Pier Cafe and Cal Mac for helping to make this such a special day'.

RNLI Scroll on Tobermory RNLI's all-weather lifeboat

RNLI/Nina Pope

RNLI Scroll on Tobermory RNLI's all-weather lifeboat
Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Dr Sam Jones presents Andi Stevens with Ian Stevens' long service medal

RNLI/Nina Pope

Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Dr Sam Jones presents Andi Stevens with Ian Stevens' long service medal
Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Dr Sam Jones presents Ian Elwis with long service medal

RNLI/Nina Pope

Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Dr Sam Jones presents Ian Elwis with long service medal
Piper Calum MacLean leads the RNLI 200 Scroll and crew

RNLI/Nina Pope

Piper Calum MacLean leads the RNLI 200 Scroll and crew
Tobermory RNLI Coxswain David McHaffie celebrates the signing of the RNLI 200 Scroll

RNLI/Nina Pope

Tobermory RNLI Coxswain David McHaffie celebrates the signing of the RNLI 200 Scroll

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.

Categories