On Saturday 25 October 2025, three volunteers from Largs RNLI joined 35 women from across Scotland at the event held in Inverness.
Held at HM Coastguard Highland facility, the event hosted by Kessock RNLI, brought together woman from across the country for afloat training, practical workshops and shared learning.
Largs RNLI volunteer crew member Kerryann Logan said; ‘It was an amazing experience to be part of this event. Everyone was there to learn together and support each other. It really helped to build my confidence with situations we might encounter on the lifeboat.
‘We were also given the chance to try some new equipment and were able to train using a Shannon class lifeboat, which was brilliant.’
Using RNLI Kessock’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Robert and Isobel Mowat
and RNLI Invergordon’s Shannon class lifeboat Agnes A P Barr, participants took part in a full programme of afloat exercises ranging from search patterns, towing drills, slow-speed manoeuvres and navigation training.
Speaking of the event, Largs volunteer crew member, Janet Iqbal said; ‘It was such a positive day. We were able to talk about the similar challenges we face, whether it is balancing family life, building confidence or coming back to active service following pregnancy. Through discussing shared experiences we could really support each other.
‘One of the highlights of my day was helming the Atlantic 85 lifeboat during an alongside boat-to-boat transfer. It really was a confidence boost - I left feeling empowered and excited to take the next step with my training.’
Alongside the practical exercises, volunteers also took part in classroom-based sessions and professional discussions.
HM Coastguard personnel explained their roles, demonstrated equipment and spoke about their casualty care equipment. They had wonderful conversations about woman’s health led by Dr Julie Hunt. Chart work training sessions helped to bring confidence and curiosity and listening to an inspirational session from Tokyo Olympian and Coastguard Operations Officer, Jess Russell, gave the volunteers confidence in their communications and recognised their value.
Claire McRae, volunteer crew member at Largs, added; ‘It was really inspiring to hear from woman with so much experience. It reinforced that every role within the RNLI is essential to allow the charity to continue to save lives at sea.’
The volunteer crew members from Largs returned home feeling inspired and motivated. They are eager to share their learning with the rest of the crew and hope to be involved with further events which support and empower woman within the Search and Rescue community.
Notes to editors
RNLI media contacts
Claire McRae, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07738681546, [email protected]
Brian Rankin, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07810862468, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager 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.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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