Celebrating dedication and service at Montrose RNLI
RNLI Montrose is marking a period of change and celebration within its volunteer team, recognising the outstanding dedication of several long-serving members who have played vital roles in supporting the station and its lifesaving mission.
Heather Murray has stepped down from her role as Fundraising Team Leader. Heather has been volunteering with the station since 2015 and took on the Fundraising Team Leader role in 2020. Throughout her time in the position, her leadership, commitment and enthusiasm have been instrumental in driving fundraising efforts that directly support the station’s lifesaving work at sea. Under her guidance, the fundraising team has delivered successful events and initiatives, helping to ensure the crew have the equipment and resources they need. The station extends its heartfelt thanks for her dedication and commitment over the past decade.
We bid farewell to Darren Murray, who concluded his service with the station in 2024. Darren joined the crew in January 2014 aged just 17. From the outset, he showed tremendous dedication and made significant progress through his training. Over the course of ten years, Darren developed into an ILB Helm and a navigator, and was also a Trainee Coxswain on the station’s ALB. His commitment, professionalism and determination saw him take on increasing responsibility within the crew, and he contributed to numerous call-outs and training exercises during his time at Montrose.
The station also recognises the service of Graeme Cowie, who joined the crew in 2014 and stepped down in 2025. During his time with the station, Graeme served as ALB crew and as the station’s ILB mechanic. His technical expertise played an essential role in maintaining operational readiness and ensuring our Inshore lifeboat was prepared whenever the call came.
Danny Brand has stepped down from his role as Launch Authority after almost six years of volunteering with the station. As Launch Authority, Danny played a crucial role in supporting operational decision-making and ensuring the safe and effective launching of the lifeboat when required. The station thanks Danny sincerely for his dedication, reliability and valued service.
In addition to these changes, Montrose RNLI is proud to celebrate a significant milestone for deputy Coxswain and ILB Helm Ryan Duncan, who has been awarded his 20-year service award. Ryan’s two decades of commitment represent an extraordinary contribution to the safety of the local community and all those who use the sea around Montrose. His experience, leadership and unwavering dedication embody the very best of the RNLI’s volunteer spirit.
Speaking on behalf of the station, Scott Murray, Coxswain said:
“Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. We are incredibly grateful to Heather, Darren, Graeme and Danny for their dedication and service, and we congratulate Ryan on his remarkable 20-year milestone."
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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