Arran RNLI welcomes new Lifeboat Operations Manager

The role of LOM is a vital one, ensuring the station maintains a constant state of operational readiness. Graeme will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the station, authorising the launch of Rachel Hedderwick (Arran RNLI's B class Atlantic 85 lifeboat), and leading the dedicated team of volunteers who keep the station running smoothly.

Graeme, who lives in Brodick, started his career as a project manager in IT and telecoms, managing infrastructure and service projects for a range of blue-chip companies in the banking and pharmaceutical sectors. A mid-life career change saw him re-train as a paramedic to work with the ambulance service and he joins the RNLI with a wealth of knowledge having worked with all the emergency services on Arran.

Away from work Graeme, who is married with two grown-up children and two demanding dogs, is also a keen motorcyclist and passionate about motorsport, having competed in rallying and now as an event organiser and medic.

Graeme said: ‘My family came from a fishing village on the east coast of Scotland where the lifeboat was an integral part of the daily life, and from a very young age I was aware of the amazing work that the RNLI does. When we moved to the Isle of Arran a few years ago one of my ambitions was to get involved with the RNLI, so when the opportunity to take on the Lifeboat Operations Manager role came up I jumped at the chance. Everyone at RNLI Arran has been incredibly welcoming and supportive, and I am very proud to be part of this fantastic team.’

Graeme takes over from Lee Girbow, who is stepping down after leading the team for years. All the crew at Arran RNLI extends their heartfelt thanks to Lee for his dedicated leadership and commitment.

Notes to editors

• Arran lifeboat station has been operating since 1970
• Arran’s RNLI lifeboat is called Rachel Hedderwick and is a B class Atlantic 85 boat
• To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/arran-lifeboat-station
• Graeme Brown (Lifeboat Operations Manager) is available for interview
• Andrew Randall (Lifeboat Press Officer & Shore Crew) is available for interview
• Photo: Graeme Brown (RNLI / Andrew Randall)

RNLI media contacts

Andrew Randall, Lifeboat Press Officer (Isle of Arran), 07539 104601, [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, 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, [email protected]

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