Portree RNLI volunteer Ellie shouts for International Women’s Day

Ellie MacPherson, who is from Portree on the Isle of Skye and works as an electrician, first joined Portree RNLI in December 2020 after being encouraged to join by those who were already involved at the station.

After attending some of the training evenings each Monday evening, Ellie then headed to the RNLI College in Poole to complete the CP training, followed by the approved engine course in September 2023.

Alongside more official training courses, much of Ellie’s experience has come from training alongside fellow crew members at the Isle of Skye lifeboat station and on lifeboat Stanley Watson Barker.

Ellie’s Competent Crew role has now progressed to Trainee Mechanic.

Ellie said:

‘I joined the crew because I wanted a new challenge and something different to push myself out of my comfort zone. After speaking with some of the other crew members, I decided to start attending the Monday evening training nights back in 2020. I’ve been a part of the crew ever since! At the beginning, I spent a lot of time reading through handbooks and studying course notes, along with gaining hands-on experience with the crew.

‘I have an interest in engines, mechanics and electronics, and I knew that this would be a strength to focus on. This is why I decided to follow the Trainee Mechanic route, rather than Navigation, for example.’

When asked what the biggest challenge has been during her time at the RNLI, Ellie said:

‘Although the training has certainly been a challenge at times, I’ve enjoyed it. I would say that the biggest challenge has been me coming out of my shell. I’m not an outgoing person generally, but being part of the crew has helped me to push myself.’

Ellie’s most memorable shout was one that took place not too far from the lifeboat station in Portree:

‘We were called to a vessel that had a fouled propellor near Uig in North East Skye. Several attempts had been made to free the vessel, but had failed. I was really impressed with how the lifeboat crew came together to find creative ways to combat and adapt to the problem. We also had assistance from a nearby vessel, so it really was a team effort with a positive outcome. It shows that no matter who you are, you really are part of one crew at the RNLI with the aim of saving lives at sea.’

With the majority of crew at Portree RNLI being male, Ellie is encouraging other women to get involved not just in Portree but right across the charity:

‘Regardless of your gender, you’re not treated any differently. Everyone can adapt to each other’s capabilities and work together. It is incredibly rewarding being part of the RNLI.’

For over two hundred years, lifeboat volunteers and crew members have been launching in response to calls for help. Crew members like Ellie carry pagers, which means that they can be called at any time of day or night, 365 days a year. As a charity, the RNLI relies on donations to help maintain the lifesaving service that it provides.

If you are interested in being part of our one crew, covering 238 lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland, head along to the training evenings at your local station and meet the crew, or visit one of the many stands at hundreds of open or fun days across the countries. Here in Portree, we meet every Monday from 7pm at the lifeboat station down at the pier.

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.