Longhope RNLI celebrates 20 years of RNLB Helen Comrie

On 14 October 2006, Longhope welcomed home its new Tamar class all-weather lifeboat, RNLB Helen Comrie, marking a significant moment in the station’s history. Two decades later, on Saturday 10 October 2026, RNLI volunteers, supporters and members of the community came together to celebrate the occasion and reflect on the pride and excitement of that memorable homecoming.

The anniversary dance was a wonderful evening of music, laughter and reminiscence, with entertainment provided by the Craig Mainland Band. The Longhope Lifeboat Guild volunteers kept everyone well fed with soup and sandwiches, while a raffle added to the festivities and raised valuable funds for the lifeboat. A slideshow of photographs, taken by Ms Mary Harris during the original homecoming in 2006, brought back fond memories for those who had witnessed the occasion, while offering those who had not been there an opportunity to share in the excitement and pride of that day.

Adding a special touch to the celebrations, Ms Mabel Besant presented Our Heroes, a dance she had written in 2019 in honour of the lifeboat. Mabel explained the significance of the dance’s five stages, each representing a different aspect of a lifeboat launch: leaving the pier, turning, ploughing through the waves as the lifeboat heads out of the bay, the crew working together, and finally, a guard of honour celebrating the lifeboat and her volunteer crew. The dance was performed during the evening, providing a tribute to the generations of volunteers who have served Longhope.

One of the most moving moments of the evening came when Mr John Budge, who served with the Longhope lifeboat crew since 1970, and was among those entrusted with bringing Helen Comrie home in 2006, shared his personal recollections of the occasion.

John recalled the first time he saw the words 'Longhope Lifeboat' written across the stern of the new vessel, his memories of watching the capsize drills, the journey home and the lifeboat’s first emergency shout following her arrival in Longhope. But it was his recollection of the immense pride and responsibility he felt at being entrusted with bringing the £2.7 million lifeboat home that particularly resonated with those listening.

John said: ‘I’d been in the lifeboat since 1970, and I suppose it was probably the highlight of my time on the lifeboat – bringing a new lifeboat home. And, I’m only a crofter, I’m no an engineer, and I was put in charge of the running of that boat. For the RNLI to trust this boy fae Longhope, that just grew up working around shit, to take this lifeboat that was valued at 2.7million then, to take it home, is a feeling I cannot describe. I just couldn’t speak on the lifeboat that day.’

John’s heartfelt words captured not only the significance of that day, but also the extraordinary sense of responsibility and pride felt by the volunteers who dedicate themselves to saving lives at sea every day.

While the arrival of Helen Comrie represented an important chapter in Longhope’s lifeboat history, the anniversary celebrations were also a reminder that behind every lifeboat is a dedicated team of people: the volunteer crew who go to sea, the shore crew who support every launch, the fundraisers whose efforts help keep the lifeboat operational, the families who stand behind their loved ones, and the wider community whose unwavering support makes it all possible.

Twenty years on, the pride that accompanied Helen Comrie into Longhope in October 2006 remains as strong as ever, a testament to the enduring relationship between the lifeboat station and the community it serves.

The anniversary celebration was generously sponsored by Cooke Scotland, one of Scotland’s leading salmon producers. Through its Community Benefit Fund, Cooke Scotland has donated over £700,000 to local organisations, events and community projects since 2018, reflecting its commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates.

Longhope RNLI would like to extend a huge thank you to Cooke Scotland for their generous sponsorship, the Craig Mainland Band for the music, Mary Harris for sharing her photographs, the Longhope Lifeboat Guild for the refreshments, and Mabel Besant and John Budge for their special contributions. To everyone who helped behind the scenes, gave their time or came along to celebrate, your generosity, enthusiasm and support made the evening such a wonderful success and a fitting tribute to this special milestone in Longhope’s lifeboat history.

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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