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Dunbar RNLI announce new station technician

Lifeboats News Release

Dunbar RNLI is delighted to announce that Alan Blair is the new full time station technician.

Man in front of rocks

RNLI

Alan Blair, new station technician at Dunbar RNLI.

Alan, 41, a long serving volunteer crew member for 22 years, takes over the role previously known as station mechanic and will be responsible for maintaining the engines and equipment on Dunbar’s all-weather and inshore lifeboats, as well as vital launching vehicles and gear, across two sites.

He replaces Phoebe Douglas – Scotland’s first full time female mechanic – who is leaving Dunbar to pursue a new challenge.

New dad Alan, whose wife Lisa recently gave birth to daughter Rosie, leaves his position as a CNC metal engraver in Haddington, to take up his new post on 4 November. He will continue as a crew member and helm on the D class inshore lifeboat.

He said: ‘I am really pleased to become the station’s new full time technician and am looking forward to getting started.’

Ian Wilson, Dunbar RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘We are delighted Alan is our new technician. Alan has served on the crew with distinction for 22 years and, once fully trained, will maintain our boats as well as the tractor for the inshore lifeboat at Dunbar and the Land Rover and launching davit at Torness Power Station, where our all-weather Trent class is moored. It will be quite a challenge but one he well relish. Congratulations Alan!’

Ian added: ‘We are sad to be losing Phoebe and she leaves with our very best wishes as she heads off on her travels with dog Blue, a popular presence around the station. We hope they have many exciting adventures together.’

Phoebe, who made history when she was appointed station mechanic a year ago, said: ‘I've had an amazing time on the crew and am extremely grateful for everything everyone has done to make my move into Dunbar and the job as easy as possible. It’s been a great experience, however, I'm leaving for a new adventure.’

Notes to Editors

Established in 1808, 16 years before the formation of the RNLI, Dunbar Lifeboat Station is one of the oldest in Scotland and is located on the south side of the mouth of the Firth of Forth. Since its formation, its volunteer crews have been honoured with 12 awards for gallantry.

It operates two lifeboats – the Trent class all-weather lifeboat (ALB) John Neville Taylor, moored at Torness Power Station, and the D-class inshore lifeboat (ILB) David Lauder, which launches from Dunbar Harbour.

RNLI media contacts

Douglas Wight, Dunbar RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected]

Natasha Rushby, 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, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office (available 24 hours) 01202 336789 [email protected]

Man helming boat.

RNLI

Alan is currently a volunteer on both Dunbar lifeboats.
Man with medal in front of harbour.

RNLI/Douglas Wight

In 2022, Alan received a medal for 20 years' service as an RNLI volunteer.

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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