
There is no such thing as an average RNLI volunteer
The old saying goes 'a woman's work is never done', and that would certainly seem to be the case for RNLI Tighnabruaich's Heather Whyte with her various roles.
Heather has gained valuable seamanship experience through her day job on the nearby CalMac Colintraive ferry too where, having started work in the ticket office she joined the crew on board the MV Loch Dunvegan as seaman purser and successfully completed study to obtain her Boat Masters Licence this spring. Heather explains "I'm not sure if I'm the first in CalMac history, but I'm the only current female small ferries Skipper!"
Adept at commanding both the Atlantic 85 RNLI rib and a 549 tonne car and passenger ferry, Heather reports there are many operational similarities, however it's certainly "warmer and drier in my Loch Dunvegan wheelhouse with heaters!"
Heather trains and supports others with enthusiasm and although definitely not average, like all RNLI volunteers, gives her time to help and inspire others.
Notes to editors
ยท Tighnabruaich lifeboat station has been operating since 1967. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/tighnabruaich-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
Janie Boyd, 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, 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.