Islay RNLI book fair raises over £2000
On Sunday 23 November, Islay’s fundraising crew held an incredibly successful pre-loved book sale at Kilchoman Distillery, raising an astounding £2,070.07 to help the RNLI continue saving lives at sea.
The idea was inspired by many years of successful RNLI book fairs on the neighbouring island of Colonsay. First established in the Colonsay pier waiting room, the second-hand book fair has been a highlight of the island’s summer calendar for 28 years, with Netta Titterton at the helm. Together with Lady Strathcona of Colonsay and fellow islander Rena Frew, Netta began the event to raise funds for Islay RNLI after Lord Strathcona had to call on the volunteer crew for assistance when his boat got into difficulty. Wishing to express their gratitude, Lord and Lady Strathcona supported the launch of the now-beloved book fair.
Always enjoying the journey across the water to Colonsay, the Islay fundraising team wondered if they could replicate the idea on their own island, and in 2025 they decided to try.
Over six weeks, donations poured in from Islay and Jura, whose communities are long-standing supporters of the lifeboat station. Kilchoman Distillery kindly hosted the event and donated 15% of their café sales on the day. The team’s bakers produced a fantastic array of treats, and RNLI souvenirs were also available. When the doors opened, book lovers of all ages arrived in from the rain to browse and buy, leaving with bags and boxes full of books. A roaring fire and plentiful sweet treats, lunches and coffees made for a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Islay RNLI fundraisers extend special thanks to Kilchoman Distillery for providing the perfect venue, and to B. Mundell Ltd., especially David Stephen, for transporting the remaining books into storage for the next sale. Thanks also go to local businesses - Campbell’s of Port Ellen, Spirited Soaps, and Bruichladdich Distillery - for acting as dedicated book drop-off points. And of course, thank you to everyone who donated such high-quality books and to all who came along to buy.
A huge well done to all the volunteers involved. There was a great deal of baking, lifting and sorting, but as always, the fundraising crew pulled together brilliantly. After such a resounding success, the team hopes to hold another sale in spring 2026.
Notes to editors
- More information on the Colonsay book fair can be found in this 2022 news release: www.rnli.org/news-and-media/2022/july/25/25-years-of-fundraising-success-for-islay-rnli
- Islay lifeboat station has been operating since 1934. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: www.rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/islay-lifeboat-station
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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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