The weather may have been overcast but there was still a vibrant atmosphere on the busy quayside. Picture: Alan Hendry
Lifeboat volunteers praised the “generosity and community spirit” of everyone who turned out to support Wick RNLI Harbour Day after it was announced that the event had raised £14,000 for the second year in a row.
A huge crowd turned out to enjoy the occasion on Saturday. Visitors were able to go on board the Wick lifeboat and its Longhope counterpart, as well as the Wick Society’s historic fishing boat Isabella Fortuna.
The Caithness Seacoast RIB provided regular trips from the marina. There were stalls, musical performances from Wick RBLS Pipe Band and Wick Young Fiddlers, displays by emergency services and demonstrations by local dancing and boxing groups.
By Tuesday, the total raised was approximately £14,000 with a few bills and some donations still to come in. The 2023 event raised £14,100, with £12,200 the year before that.
Wick lifeboat press officer John Taylor said: “On behalf of the Wick RNLI lifeboat crew and our dedicated fundraising team, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported our event. Your generosity and community spirit have once again shone brightly.
“Thanks to your contributions and enthusiasm, we have raised a substantial amount to support our lifeboat services.
“This achievement is a testament to our strong and caring community. Remember, at the end of the day, it’s your lifeboat.
“Thank you to everyone for making this day a remarkable success.”
As reported earlier, Murray Lamont, chairman of the Wick lifeboat management group, praised all those who played a part. “This is the most important fundraising event that the RNLI has in the year, so it’s very important that we get a good turnout and get the support,” he said.
Mr Lamont presented the Wick RNLI young person of the year award to 18-year-old Iona Simpson, who is part of the fundraising team.
Caithness Seacoast ran a series of trips from the Wick marina. Picture: Alan HendryThe Isabella Fortuna on the right, alongside some of the other boats on Wick RNLI Harbour Day. Picture: Alan HendrySome of the crowds on the quayside during Wick RNLI Harbour Day 2024. Picture: Alan HendryCaithness Boxing Club put on a demonstration of boxing skills. Picture: Alan HendryWick RBLS Pipe Band played on the quayside. Picture: Alan HendryVisitors were able to board the Wick lifeboat (on the left) and its Longhope counterpart. Picture: Alan HendryAn airport fire engine alongside one from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Picture: Alan HendryMembers of the Wick and Duncansby coastguard team. They are keen to recruit additional volunteers. Picture: Alan HendryHighland dancers from Lorraine Bremner’s dance school. Picture: Alan HendryVisitors queued to go on aboard the Wick Society’s historic boat Isabella Fortuna. Picture: Alan HendryWick RNLI Harbour Day visitors in the marina. Picture: Alan HendryRNLI mascot Stormy Stan was among those taking a trip on the Caithness Seacoast RIB, Geo Explorer. Picture: Alan HendryIona Simpson, Wick RNLI’s young person of the year, receiving her award from Murray Lamont. Picture: Alan HendryThree of the Wick Young Fiddlers performing on Wick RNLI Harbour Day. Picture: Alan HendryEmily Morrison of the Wick Young Fiddlers. Picture: Alan HendryWick Young Fiddlers played a selection of tunes on the quayside. Picture: Alan HendryPipe Major Leslie Campbell of Wick RBLS Pipe Band. Picture: Alan HendryPC Matthew Thain of Police Scotland with compere Jenny Szyfelbain. Picture: Alan HendryVolunteers from the Wick lifeboat fundraising team were selling RNLI gifts and souvenirs. Picture: Alan HendryVisitors queued to go on aboard the Wick Society’s historic boat Isabella Fortuna. Picture: Alan HendryMembers of the public getting a close-up look at the Longhope lifeboat. Picture: Alan HendryCatrina Drummond, with Donnie and Lewis, meeting Stormy Stan. Picture: Alan HendryFlags and bunting brought some bright colours to an otherwise grey afternoon at Wick harbour. Picture: Alan Hendry
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