Lasting Impact & Success of RNLI Women in SAR Scotland
Following the success of the inaugural Women in Search and Rescue (SAR) Scotland event hosted by Jane Hier of Kessock RNLI, attendees have been reflecting on the true impact of a day that went far beyond training and exercises.
What began as a gathering of over 35 operational women from lifeboat stations across Scotland has grown into something much more powerful - a new community of mutual support, inspiration, and lasting friendships.
Held on 25 October 2025 at HM Coastguard Highland’s facilities and supported by Inverness Marina, the event brought together nearly one-fifth of all women currently volunteering in operational RNLI roles across Scotland. While the programme focused on afloat exercises and professional skills development, the overwhelming feedback from participants highlights something even more valuable - the sense of belonging, encouragement, and empowerment the day created.
A powerful sense of connection
Attendees described the experience as “inspiring,” “energising,” and “incredibly supportive.” Many spoke of leaving the event with renewed confidence in their own abilities and a deeper appreciation for the strength found in shared experience.
Dr. Janet Iqbal, Largs Lifeboat Station, said:
“We all work in our teams at our respective stations but the coming together for the Women in SAR Scotland felt like coming home. It was an incredible team building time with a quiet immediate shared respect and gratitude for the space we were learning in. Women in SAR helped to lift and empower me and the support is contagious – it’s sneaking into other areas of my life/work and I will be forever grateful for the wonderful experience!”
Michelle McCaig, Kessock Lifeboat Station said:
“Women in SAR was such a positive and inspiring experience for me. I took a huge amount from the shared learning on the day, but just as importantly from the sense of community, being in a space with other women who understand the challenges and support each other so openly was incredibly motivating. Hearing real experiences from women who have progressed into Nav and Helm roles made those pathways feel far more achievable, and it’s definitely encouraged me to think more seriously about my own progression and next steps within SAR.”
Linda Izquierdo Ross, Loch Ness Lifeboat Station, added:
“The RNLI Women in SAR Scotland symposium had a few breakout groups. 6 attendees represented 4 stations in the LA/LOM section. The support and learning that we found was invaluable, and we have kept in touch. As part of the management teams of our respective stations, it was splendid to talk to these incredible experienced women and learn as well as in part our knowledge!”
Inspiration beyond the day
Many participants noted that the friendships made and encouragement gained during the event have continued long after, influencing their confidence, teamwork, and opening new doors for collaboration across stations.
Event organiser and Kessock RNLI Helm Jane Hier said:
“The most rewarding part has been seeing the impact continue to grow long after the event. We’ve seen women from all corners of Scotland now connected in a way they weren’t before - supporting each other, celebrating successes, and helping each other grow. It’s not just about what happened on the day, but about the confidence, ambition, and sense of belonging that women have taken back to their stations and continue to build on together - that’s the true success of Women in SAR.”
Empowerment through teamwork
The Women in SAR Scotland initiative was inspired by the national event held in Poole in March 2025, and has now sparked a movement of its own. Participants have expressed enthusiasm for future events that continue to celebrate inclusivity and professional growth. Several attendees have since shared that, following the event, they returned to their respective stations with renewed confidence and have actively progressed onto Navigation (NAV), Mechanical (Mech), and Helm training pathways - demonstrating the tangible impact the event has had on confidence, aspiration, and professional development.
As one participant put it simply:
“It showed me that we’re part of something bigger - a community that supports each other, on and off the water.”
Notes to editors:
• The inaugural Women in SAR Scotland event took place on 25 October 2025, hosted by Kessock RNLI and supported by HM Coastguard Highland and Inverness Marina.
• The event brought together more than 35 operational women from RNLI stations across Scotland, representing nearly 20% of all operational women within the RNLI in Scotland.
• The RNLI continues its commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute their skills and experience to lifesaving work.
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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