The RNLI in Scotland is launching its Christmas fundraising appeal, as its volunteer lifeboat crews selflessly prepare to spend their Christmas on call.
In Scotland RNLI volunteers have launched 159 times, saved three lives, and aided 67 people in the nine-year period from 2016 to 2024 inclusive.
The data is for the period from 24 December to 1 January with Scotland’s RNLI volunteers clocking up more than 1,500 hours at sea when everyone else has a holiday.
Broughty Ferry has been the busiest lifeboat station with 25 emergencies during that period, followed by Queensferry and Kinghorn each with 11.
Scotland has 45 lifeboat stations and only six stations have not been called out during that period.
Scotland’s RNLI volunteers have spent more hours on call during the festive period than four of the charity’s six regions.
On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period every year, with 119 launches in 2024 in the UK and Ireland.
In the nine year period from 2016 to 2024 the charity has launched 1088 times, saved 31 lives and aided 803 people.
Whatever weather winter in Scotland throws at them, RNLI crews are ready to leave their celebrations with friends and family to battle the elements and save lives at sea.
These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected.
Christmas is a time for family and friends, but the RNLI’s volunteer crews are ready to leave their own celebrations this festive season and answer the call for help.
Jill Hepburn, the RNLI’s Head of Region for Scotland, said: ‘Our charity operates 24/7 with the festive period being no different and over the years RNLI volunteers have clocked up many hours to save lives at sea.
‘Even at this time of year, people still get in trouble in the water around the Scottish coastline for a variety of reasons and our volunteers are prepared to leave their own celebrations to rescue them.
‘But our volunteer lifeboat crew couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to their own families.’
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal
Notes to editors
Statistics for each lifeboat station are available. Volunteer crew are available to talk about spending Christmas on call.
Pic credit
Broughty Ferry Trent class all-weather lifeboat Elizabeth of Glamis at sea during a training exercise. Credit/Stephen Duncombe
RNLI media contacts
Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639,
[email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929,
[email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
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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.
