Donate now

Tobermory Lifeboat Day 2024 raises a record-breaking £6600

Lifeboats News Release

On Sunday 11 August, crowds flocked to Tobermory Harbour to help raise vital funds to train and kit out our volunteer crew and launch the all-weather lifeboat to those in need.

A well-dressed daschund enjoying the day

RNLI/David McHaffie

A well-dressed daschund enjoying the day

On a rare, glorious summer’s day and with the town adorned with fabulous knitted yellow welly bunting, Tobermory Lifeboat Day 2024 kicked off with the Severn class lifeboat, Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey opening to visitors to tour the boat and meet the crew. Over 250 people were shown around over the course of the day, chatted with crew and donated generously. In the harbour, there were games to enjoy (with the return of the ever-popular human fruit machine) and stalls to browse, including our Sea Safety stall providing advice to stay safe on the water. Local emergency services; the Coastguard Rescue Team, Scottish Fire and Rescue, and the Scottish Ambulance Service, brought their vehicles and joined in the fun, talking to visitors about their work.

The crowds were kept expertly informed and entertained (with a terrible selection of ‘dad’ jokes!) by Master of Ceremonies, Alasdair Satchel. Later in the day, Alasdair switched to the role of auctioneer and held the auction for signed prints from local film maker and photographer Gordon Buchanan, an oil painting of our lifeboat and Staffa by Malcolm E.G. East, whisky from Tobermory Distillery commemorating 200 years of the RNLI, a magnificent cake made by Joyce Malcolm and lobsters donated by local fisherman Alasdair ‘Steptoe’ MacLean.

In the sun, visitors enjoyed locally sourced burgers from the barbecue, wood-fired pizza, locally made ice cream and a dazzling choice of donated baked goods. Thanks to Tobermory Bakery for donating rolls for the barbecue. Tobermory Bay Tours provided trips around the bay and generously donated their takings for the day.

The day rounded off with the much-awaited raft race. The rafts set off from Tobermory Beach and made their way to the slip amidst cheers from the crowd. The winning raft crewed by Hugh, Seonaidh, Alexander and Leon took the trophy, the impressive fifth year in succession for brothers Hugh and Seonaidh! A very worthy second place went to the stunning cow-themed raft crewed by staff from Sgriob-ruadh Cheese Farm, with the Coastguard raft a non-finisher after sadly sinking.

The total raised was an astonishing £6605, which includes £924 raised thanks to Sally at the Tobermory Fish Co. Ltd and the generosity of local fishermen who donated their catch to make mouth-watering fish platters to kick off the weekend. The day was a resounding success and after all the hard work behind the scenes, the highlight of our fundraising year with a record-breaking total for the day. This would not have been possible without the outstanding generosity from local businesses with the donations of goods and raffle prizes, hardy knitters and amazing volunteers both on the day and in the months of planning leading up to the day.

We look forward to welcoming everyone again next year. Fingers crossed the weather is kind to us again! Tapadh leat.

RNLI media contacts

Leanne Blair, Tobermory RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07711549609 or [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


Second Mechanic Tomo, and Mairi from the Scottish Ambulance Service

RNLI/David McHaffie

Second Mechanic Tomo, and Mairi from the Scottish Ambulance Service
Station mechanic Gunny

RNLI/David McHaffie

Station mechanic Gunny
The winning raft

RNLI/Leanne Blair

The winning raft

RNLI/Leanne Blair

Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey alongside in Tobermory Harbour
Volunteer crew member Sadie enjoying the sun

RNLI/David McHaffie

Volunteer crew member Sadie enjoying the sun

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