Ross praises work of Buckie RNLI lifeboat station in Westminster debate
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Moray MP Douglas Ross has lauded the work of the maritime search and rescue charity in the town while also highlighting the efforts of the independent lifeboat station at Findhorn in a debate in Westminster.
He was taking part in a Westminster Hall debate which allowed members to recognise the contribution of volunteers at lifeboat stations in their constituency and how they protect lives at sea.
Mr Ross used his speech to single out the "dedicated" work of RNLI volunteers in Buckie as well as the Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation.
He highlighted that lifeboat volunteers have been saving lives in the Moray Firth for 145 years and have “rightly been recognised with various honours” over the years.
Specifically, Mr Ross mentioned Adam Robertson, a stalwart of the Buckie RNLI for over 30 years before he sadly passed away in 2020.
His son, Alan, continued his legacy through being a coxswain with Buckie’s RNLI for many years, while an Adam Robertson shield has been created in his name which will be awarded each year to a Senior Boy in the 1st Buckie’s Boys Brigade who most embodies the brigade’s core values and displays the brigade qualities of commitment, integrity and leadership.
Mr Ross also praised Anne Scott, who worked for Buckie RNLI as a fundraising manager, for over 20 years before stepping down in 2021. However, she then almost immediately returned as a volunteer with the station as lifeboats operation manager, to continue as a volunteer within the station.
The local MP finished up by highlighting the work of the independent lifeboat at Findhorn and their collaborative approach with the RNLI and other emergency services in order to protect coastal communities.
Mr Ross said that this debate was important to recognise the work that RNLI and independent lifeboat associations do day in day out and that he was delighted to have the opportunity to take part.
He continued: “Our RNLI station at Buckie and the independent lifeboat based at Findhorn do outstanding work every single day.
"I was delighted to have the opportunity to participate in this debate recognising the dedicated work of crews across Moray and the work they do to protect our coastal communities.
“There has been a lifeboat presence for almost 150 years in the Moray Firth and like my constituents I simply cannot imagine a situation where they would not be available at a moment’s notice.
“It was great to have the chance to highlight just some individuals who have given so many years of service to local lifeboat stations such as the much missed Adam Robertson and the tireless Anne Scott, who came back as a volunteer immediately after stepping down from a working role within the RNLI.
“The work being carried out by our independent lifeboat at Findhorn is also crucial and it is great that they are working in close collaboration with the RNLI and other emergency services.
“I will continue to highlight the extraordinary work carried out by volunteers and staff at our lifeboat stations in Moray any chance I get and I thank every single one of them for their work, keeping us safe and going out in incredibly dangerous conditions to save lives.”
Mr Ross's contribution in the debate can be viewed from just before 10am at https://parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/bd9a4846-03da-4963-afeb-4a567cdc2ddb
