Buckie lifeboat open day promises 'something for everyone'

BUCKIE RNLI lifeboat station volunteers are set to extend a warm welcome to the community to pop along to their open day soon.

The event is sponsored, for the first time, by Ocean Winds who are currently building the operating base for their Moray West Wind Farm close to the lifeboat station.

Buckie RNLI lifeboat Coxswain Davie Grant said: “This is the one day when we can welcome everyone aboard our Severn class lifeboat and to find out about the RNLI, about water safety, and about the other emergency services we work with.”

Mountain Rescue and the Blood Bikes volunteers plan to attend and, subject to operational commitments, HM Coastguard, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Ambulance Service all hope to bring vehicles and equipment to display.

Excitement on the water will be provided by skiff racing between crews from the emergency services, racing for the Blue Light Challenge Trophy. The lifeboat crew will not have the advantage of their normal 3200 diesel horsepower on tap for this one, it is a fair contest of skill and fitness between the teams – cheered on by enthusiastic supporters.

As always, the highlight will be guided tours of the lifeboat William Blannin hosted by volunteer crewmembers – all of whom are drawn from the local community. The Buckie crew are particularly proud that over a quarter of the crew are women, and Lifeboat Operations Manager Anne Scott is keen to welcome more new recruits – of any gender – to the crew and to other important roles at the station including water safety, visitor hosting and fundraising.

There will be face-painting, teas, bakes, music, raffles, ice creams, activity stalls, souvenirs – lots to see, do and buy so do bring cash (cards can also be accepted for donations). All proceeds from the event will support the work of the RNLI in the local community.

Parking is likely to become congested in the local area, but the lifeboat station is only a 10-minute walk from Buckie town centre and the No 35 Stagecoach bus stops within 100m of the lifeboat station both east- and west-bound.

The event will take place at the lifeboat station on Saturday, September 9, 12 noon-4pm.

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