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There is no such thing as an average RNLI volunteer

Lifeboats News Release

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 with her young family on the RNLI Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat

RNLI/Jane Boyd

Heather with her young family on the RNLI Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat
Having joined as lifeboat crew in 2012 Heather became the station's first female helm in 2018 - an achievement of which many are very proud. As well as commanding the inshore lifeboat on call outs and training, she now also shares her knowledge and experience in the role of local Trainer Assessor helping fellow RNLI volunteer crew who are developing their seamanship and navigation skills.

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

In the wheelhouse of the ferry

RNLI/Jane Boyd

In the wheelhouse of the ferry Loch Dunvegan

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.

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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.