Busy year for Buckie RNLI life-savers after scooping Moray and Banffshire Emergency Services Heroes award
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IT has been a busy year for the volunteers at Buckie RNLI lifeboat station since they scooped the Moray and Banffshire Emergency Services Hero of the Year award.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Anne Scott donned a pair of yellow crew wellies as, accompanied by coxswain Davie Grant, she went up to accept the trophy on behalf of the volunteer maritime search and rescue team. It was to be the second time Buckie RNLI have topped the public vote for the honour.
It was a moment that left the duo "humbled" and is a matter of great pride for the whole station.
Anne said: "It was such a surprise when Buckie RNLI was read out, there were so many worthy organisations there that could have easily won it.
"The fact we were seated at a table with Buckie's Roots, who also won their category, made it that extra bit special, it really was team Buckie.
"The main thing for us is the fact that the award has helped raise awareness of the RNLI and what we do.
"It was also about people acknowledging what we do; we proudly show visitors to the station the award, we're very proud to have been voted Emergency Services Hero of the Year. It was people saying 'Well done' to the crew and for what they do, it was very good of them to vote for us.
"We're very much part of the community and it's Buckie's lifeboat, that's how we see it. People really got behind us for the Heroes award and shared the voting links online. That was the biggest thing that helped us win, the online aspect was vital."
While the glory of that awards evening in April at Brodie Country Fayre will never be forgotten real life is never long in intruding for the 24/7 search and rescue charity.
Anne continued: "We've had a lot of shouts over the year.
"A lot of people enjoy the waters of the Moray Firth in many ways, such as canoes, kayaks and yachts and sometimes, through no fault of their own, they can end up in difficulties.
"It can happen so easily and to the best prepared – for example, the weather can suddenly change, mechanical failure can happen, people suddenly take ill."
Away from the rigours of conducting rescues, often in some of the most trying conditions imaginable, there was a chance for crew, shore-based volunteers and the local community to come together when the station held an open day on September 9. The event, Anne revealed, will lay the groundwork for an even bigger celebration in 2024 in what will be a very special year for the RNLI.
She said: "The open day was a great success and we were blessed with cracking weather.
"It was great to welcome so many people along to the station.
"It's all part of the build-up to next year which is the 200th anniversary of the RNLI nationally and we'll be having an even bigger open day to celebrate."
Anne went on to stress that Buckie RNLI were always on the lookout for volunteers, both for the lifeboat crew and the fundraising team.
She added: "The RNLI wouldn't exist without volunteers.
"There's more than one way to save a life with the RNLI and you don't have to get your feet wet to help.
"We're happy to go out and talk to local groups and organisations about what we do and about the volunteering opportunities available."
To find out more about Buckie RNLI and for regular updates, follow the station's Facebook page.
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