RNLI gets £4500 wave of support
PUBLIC appreciation of the lifeline service provided by the RNLI in Easter Ross added up to a £4500-plus boost for volunteers willing to put their own lives on the line to help others at sea.
The RNLI Invergordon open day saw mascot Stormy Stan leading the Ardross Pipe Band to the Invergordon lifeboat station, immediately attracting the attention of cruise liner visitors from around the world keen to catch the tunes and grab a selfie with the tall bearded symbol of the lifeboat crew.
The traditional raft race – with all teams in fancy dress – drew more appreciation from the gathered throngs as doughty sailors on an eye-boggling variety of craft took to the high seas of the Cromarty Firth.
The distinctively attired Smurfs from ILM Highland in Alness took an early lead with the Mermaid Squad of Pat Munro (Alness) in hot pursuit. The Milnfua Rift Raft crew took third place. The Mermaids may have been pipped at the post but made a splash all the same as fancy dress winners.
The RNLI all-weather Trent Class lifeboat then vividly displayed the challenges crews face when undertaking a rescue with a vessel aground during exciting demonstrations.
A craft village organised by Gloria Mackenzie was a treat for landlubbers with everything from pebble art to quilts and engraving on display.
A pet show also proved a pull with a variety of prizes handed out. Best in Show was awarded to "Rosie" Ross, a chiapso pup.
Children’s activities ranging from balloon modelling to face painting and funfair crowds kept younger visitors entertained.
The emergency services also lent their support with ambulance and fire personnel showing people around their vehicles and equipment.
Lifeboat spokesman Michael MacDonald said: "The lifeboat open day this year was excellent, with everyone having fun. The crowds were amazing, everyone was happy, and we raised an overwhelming £4500-plus for the RNLI which will go towards continuing to help save lives at sea.
"We would like to thank everyone who came along with special thanks to Port of Cromarty Firth and their helpers on the days leading up to and on the day, all the crafters, Ardross Pipe Band, Corralach, Tom Black with the Alness ice cream van, Hercher’s Funfair, fire and ambulance emergency services and everyone who contributed home baking, and of course, the lifeboat crew and Easter Ross fundraising branch for making this a successful memorable day yet again."
