Longhope RNLI volunteers honoured at 2026 Volunteer Recognition Event

The RNLI Long Service Awards recognise volunteers who have dedicated many years of service to saving lives at sea, while the Excellence in Volunteering Awards celebrate those who have gone above and beyond in their role, making an outstanding contribution both within their station and across the wider RNLI. Together, the awards recognise the commitment, professionalism and selflessness that underpin the charity's lifesaving work.

This year's award ceremony was held at the magnificent Hopetoun House near South Queensferry. Situated on the shores of the Firth of Forth, Hopetoun House is regarded as one of Scotland's finest stately homes. Built between 1699 and 1707 and later expanded by renowned architect William Adam, the historic house provided a fitting setting in which to celebrate the remarkable dedication of RNLI volunteers from across Scotland.

Awards were presented by Fiona Fell, Deputy Chair of the RNLI, and Carolyn Greene, the RNLI's Chief People Officer, who thanked volunteers for their outstanding commitment to saving lives at sea.

Longhope Lifeboat Station is proud to see the following volunteers recognised:

20 Years' Service

• Ian Avis
• Trish Avis
• Colin Bates
• Kenny Budge
• Alex Sinclair
• Aaron Spence

30 Years' Service

• Fay Clarke
• Jayne Traynor

40 Years' Service

• Robbie Thomson

Alex Sinclair was accompanied by his wife, Joanna, as he received recognition for more than 20 years' service with Longhope RNLI. Reflecting on the day, Alex said: ‘There were nine people from Longhope who received Long Service Awards, celebrating between twenty and forty years of service. A lovely day was had by all, and it was really good to catch up with colleagues from other stations whom we hadn't seen for a while.’

Joanna, who also volunteers with the Longhope Lifeboat Guild, enjoyed sharing the occasion. She said: ‘I really enjoyed it. The staff were very welcoming and ready to help with anything you needed.’

Each award represents countless hours of training, maintaining equipment, responding to call-outs, fundraising and supporting the station behind the scenes. It also reflects the commitment made not only by the volunteers themselves, but by their families, employers and the wider community who support them in carrying out their lifesaving roles.

Alan Mackinnon, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Longhope RNLI, said:

‘These awards are a fitting recognition of the incredible commitment shown by our volunteers over many years. Every one of those recognised has dedicated countless hours to the RNLI, whether that's answering the pager, training, maintaining the station, fundraising or supporting the charity in so many different ways.

Whilst these awards recognise individual achievements, they also reflect the teamwork that makes Longhope such a special station. Behind every volunteer is the support of families, employers and our local community, all of whom play an important part in enabling us to save lives at sea.

We are incredibly proud of everyone who has been recognised, and indeed of every volunteer who gives their time to Longhope RNLI. Every person has a role to play, and without the dedication, commitment and professionalism of our volunteers, we simply could not continue our lifesaving mission of saving lives at sea. On behalf of everyone at Longhope Lifeboat Station, congratulations and thank you.’

Notes to editors

· Longhope lifeboat station has been operating since 1874. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Longhope Lifeboat Station (rnli.org)

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Vicky Mackinnon, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, [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.