New volunteer Coxswain at Portree RNLI

Iain Beaton, who first joined Portree RNLI in 2019, will now become part of the group of volunteer Coxswains of the current Trent class RNLI lifeboat, Stanley Watson Barker.

Iain and his family are also involved in the Skye & Raasay Lifeboat Fundraisers who help to raise money for the lifesaving charity.

Speaking about his appointment, Ian said:

‘My family have always been involved with the RNLI, in one way or another, and it’s a great charity to be part of.

‘With the lifeboat being such a big part of my life, first joining the volunteers in 2019, I always wanted to progress as much as I could. I take a huge amount of pride in being able to respond to those who call for help and to be part of the RNLI one crew.

‘The training has been full on with many hours spent at sea and pouring over the training manuals, but the crew around me have helped to make it a pleasure to be part of. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has given their time and commitment to helping me achieve the position of Coxswain – I hope I do you all proud!’

The current Trent class lifeboat – Stanley Watson Barker – first arrived at the station in June 1996, taking over from a Waveney-class lifeboat, Ralph and Joy Swann, which had been based at Portree since 1991.

After almost three decades of active service, Stanley Watson Barker will be replaced by a new Shannon class lifeboat in 2026, with the name and identification number still to be announced.

Iain added:

‘It’s a very exciting time to be a part of the station. I’m really looking forward to seeing the current operations continue to grow and flourish, whilst also looking towards the introduction of the new lifeboat next year. There will be some brilliant opportunities for further training. Although the lifeboat is changing, the lifesaving service will continue, and we will continue to be ready to respond to anyone who needs our help.’

Portree RNLI currently has one full time Coxswain, which is supported by a group of volunteer Coxswains of which Iain will now become a part of.

Stuart Nicolson, Coxswain at Portree RNLI, said:

‘On behalf of the entire crew and fundraisers, I’d like to congratulate Iain on his appointment and I’m looking forward to continuing to work alongside him. Iain is a big part of the RNLI here in Portree, switching between his lifeboat and fundraising commitments, and it’s great to have him as part of the crew.’

Douglas MacDougall, Lifeboat Operation Manager at Portree RNLI, said:

‘It's well-earned congratulations to Iain for successfully passing out as Coxswain. The process started many years ago, undergoing training starting as crew, through to Navigator and now reaching his goal of qualified Coxswain. This has taken months of study, finishing off with written exams and afloat assessments where he was put under significant pressure with various scenarios unfolding at the same time. Thanks also to the other crew members who mentored and assisted Iain during his training programme.’

The RNLI has been saving lives at sea for over two hundred years. It relies on donations and support from the public to operate the lifesaving service that it does.

There are over 5,700 volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew members at 238 lifeboat stations around the UK and Ireland, with a further 4,000 volunteer shore crew members. Our volunteers are on call and ready to respond to calls for help 24 hrs a day, 365 days of the year.

ENDS

Notes to editors

· Portree Lifeboat Station was established in 1991 and currently operates a Trent class all-weather lifeboat – Stanley Watson Barker. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/portree-lifeboat-station

· The 2040 Lifeboat Fleet Strategy was published on Thursday 2 October. As part of this, Portree will receive a new Shannon class lifeboat in 2026. The full report and summary is available here: (https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2025/october/02/rnli-evolving-to-meet-lifesaving-demand#:~:text=Our%202040%20Lifeboat%20Fleet%20Strategy,information%20to%20make%20these%20decisions.&text='We%20need%20to%20have%20confidence,changing%20nature%20of%20lifesaving%20demand).

RNLI media contacts

For further information, please contact:

Robert MacInnes, Lifeboat Press Officer at Portree RNLI: 07950 421829 / [email protected]

Richard Smith, 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]

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

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.