Kyle's lifesavers get a £4k boost

KYLE of Lochalsh’s lifeboat crew pulled in more than £4000 — and retained the bragging rights in a quirky tractor-hauling contest — during a successful maritime fundraising day on Saturday.

One of the major fundraisers for the lifeline voluntary service was blessed by good weather and a large crowd as Lochalsh Junior Pipe Band set the scene for a day of displays, come and try sessions and fun.

Kyle and Portree lifeboat crews both welcomed visitors aboard to have a look around their starkly contrasting vessels.

The Kyle crew staged an impressive winching display during the afternoon with the UK Coastguard helicopter from Stornoway.

The Coastguard Tug Ievoli Black was a big draw with the crew offering informative and entertaining guided tours. The Qinetiq vessel Quasar paid a visit with a couple of underwater robotic vehicles allowing visitors to have a go at controlling them in the waters under the pontoons. An unmanned mine-hunting vessel and a replica torpedo from the BUTEC Navy base were also on display while Kyle Fire Brigade and the Kyle Coastguard team also made a welcome return.

The local kayaking club’s come and try was a great success and the high school boat-building scheme Am Bata also managed to sell their recently completed boat.

The very popular tractor-pulling competition saw teams of six compete to pull Kyle RNLI’s launching vehicle over a 20-metre distance in the quickest time. Hotly contested by seven teams taking part, it was the Kyle RNLI crew which retained their title.

Kyle RNLI’s spokesman, Andrew MacDonald said: "A great day was had by all and Kyle of Lochalsh RNLI would like to thank everyone who took part, came along to support us and helped to make it such a success."