First female Mechanic appointed at Portree RNLI
The volunteer crew at Portree RNLI on the Isle of Skye are celebrating the appointment of the first female Mechanic in the history of the station.
Ellie MacPherson, who is from Portree and works as an electrician, first joined Portree RNLI in December 2020 after being encouraged by those who were already involved at the station.
After attending some of the training evenings each Monday, Ellie then headed to the RNLI College in Poole to complete the CP training, followed by the approved engine course in September 2023.
At the end of May, Ellie’s role officially changed from Trainee Mechanic to fully-qualified Deputy Mechanic onboard the Portree Shannon class lifeboat Peter and Mary (13-59) – the first female to hold this position in the history of the station.
Ellie will continue to work alongside the full-time and fellow volunteer Mechanics to help ensure that RNLB Peter and Mary is always ready for service.
Speaking about her new official role, Ellie said:
‘The whole process has been amazing. I've learnt so much over the years as Competent Crew, and now through the transition to a Mechanic. I really would not have been able to do it without the support from my fellow volunteer crew members, although I must give a special mention to John, Stuart, Ethan and Josh. They've really pushed and helped me, and explained things I didn't understand. Although I can now officially go afloat as Mechanic, I will always be learning!
‘I will be forever grateful to be given this opportunity.’
Full-time Portree RNLI Mechanic John “Clanky” Nicolson, said:
‘Ellie has worked extremely hard and we are all delighted that her hard work has paid off. Ellie will continue to be a great asset to the station as we continue to carry out our lifesaving work. It’s important to highlight the different roles that are available onboard lifeboats – including Coxswain, Mechanic, and Competent Crew – and the fantastic training opportunities that are available at the RNLI to progress through these roles.’
For over two hundred years, lifeboat volunteers and crew members have been launching in response to calls for help. Crew members like Ellie carry pagers, which means that they can be called at any time of day or night, 365 days a year. As a charity, the RNLI relies on donations to help maintain the lifesaving service that it provides.
ENDS
Notes to editors
· All photos and videos in this press release should be credited to RNLI/Robert MacInnes.
· Portree lifeboat Peter and Mary (13-59) officially took over the Portree service on 1 June 2026.
· Portree Lifeboat Station was established in 1991. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/portree-lifeboat-station
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]
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.