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Broughty Ferry RNLI receives £2,500 from Christmas tractor run

Lifeboats News Release

On 27 December 2024, a charity tractor road run took place in Broughty Ferry and the surrounding area, all to raise funds for the local RNLI lifeboat station. Tractors, new and old from across the local area turned out in what was a spectacular sight to raise money for Broughty Ferry RNLI.

Photo of tractor with RNLI coxswain and two volunteer with RNLI flag

RNLI/Andrew Boyle

Coxswain Pete Hay stands with those partaking in tractor run

58 tractors from across Dundee, Angus and Fife paraded in convoy across the local area. Many decked with Christmas decorations like tinsel provided a fantastic sight. The tractors consisted of old and new models led by the Agricar. They travelled across the local area, many driven by supporters of the RNLI. The aim was to raise money for Broughty Ferry RNLI in its 200th Anniversary year. Lunch and a raffle followed and it was an amazing experience for all.

Broughty Ferry RNLI’s Coxswain, Pete Hay attended the event to welcome visitors on behalf of the charity. He says: ‘This was a fantastic fundraising event for the RNLI and it was amazing to see so many involved.’

Following the event, on Saturday 4 January, Broughty Ferry RNLI was presented with a cheque for £2500 during a crew training event from the organisers of the tractor run.

The organisers of the event then received a tour of the station, saw the Trent and D class lifeboats, and got to meet many of the volunteer crew, finding out about their experiences. Afterwards, they got to watch the lifeboat crew go out on a training exercise.

Many thanks to Lewis Aitchison as well as, Ian and Alison MacRury for organising.

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Volunteer crews, including at Broughty Ferry RNLI, give up their time to go to those in need 24/7, 365 days a year, and aid in all manner of rescues. They cannot do their work without the support of fundraising volunteers and the generous support of the public. The money raised goes towards the maintenance of the lifeboats as well as lifesaving equipment, training and support for volunteers.

This was a particularly important event as it helps to recognise the volunteer crew during a very busy Christmas period. While many families across the country and local area were enjoying a peaceful and restful Christmas, the Broughty Ferry RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew attended up to 30 shouts across December. Called at all hours of the day, volunteer crew put in a spectacular effort and must be commended.

It was also especially important as it occurred on the 200th anniversary of the RNLI’s foundation. Founded in 1824 by Sir William Hillary, the RNLI has provided a 24 hour search and rescue service covering the UK and Ireland. 2024 has been a massive year for the RNLI with celebrations held across the country. There has been a Lifeboat in Broughty Ferry since 1862 and they currently operate a Trent lifeboat, Elizabeth of Glamis since 2001 and a D class inshore lifeboat, Oor Lifesaver since 2019.

Notes to editors

· Broughty Ferry Lifeboat station has been operating since 1862. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Broughty Ferry Lifeboat Station - RNLI Lifeboat Stations

· Anyone who still wished to donate can do so at: Crowdfunding to support RNLI Broughty Ferry. on JustGiving

RNLI media contacts

Andy Boyle, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07881944870, [email protected]

Natasha Rushby, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

RNLI/Andrew Boyle

Coxswain Pete Hay in tractor

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, X, TikTok 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.