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£14,000 raised at Wick RNLI Harbour Day is ‘testament to caring community’





The weather may have been overcast but there was still a vibrant atmosphere on the busy quayside. Picture: Alan Hendry
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.”

Related story:

‘It just lifts everybody’: Lifeboat chairman praises volunteers on Wick RNLI Harbour Day

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 Hendry
Caithness Seacoast ran a series of trips from the Wick marina. Picture: Alan Hendry
The Isabella Fortuna on the right, alongside some of the other boats on Wick RNLI Harbour Day. Picture: Alan Hendry
The Isabella Fortuna on the right, alongside some of the other boats on Wick RNLI Harbour Day. Picture: Alan Hendry
Some of the crowds on the quayside during Wick RNLI Harbour Day 2024. Picture: Alan Hendry
Some of the crowds on the quayside during Wick RNLI Harbour Day 2024. Picture: Alan Hendry
Caithness Boxing Club put on a demonstration of boxing skills. Picture: Alan Hendry
Caithness Boxing Club put on a demonstration of boxing skills. Picture: Alan Hendry
Wick RBLS Pipe Band played on the quayside. Picture: Alan Hendry
Wick RBLS Pipe Band played on the quayside. Picture: Alan Hendry
Visitors were able to board the Wick lifeboat (on the left) and its Longhope counterpart. Picture: Alan Hendry
Visitors were able to board the Wick lifeboat (on the left) and its Longhope counterpart. Picture: Alan Hendry
An airport fire engine alongside one from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Picture: Alan Hendry
An airport fire engine alongside one from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Picture: Alan Hendry
Members of the Wick and Duncansby coastguard team. They are keen to recruit additional volunteers. Picture: Alan Hendry
Members of the Wick and Duncansby coastguard team. They are keen to recruit additional volunteers. Picture: Alan Hendry
Highland dancers from Lorraine Bremner’s dance school. Picture: Alan Hendry
Highland dancers from Lorraine Bremner’s dance school. Picture: Alan Hendry
Visitors queued to go on aboard the Wick Society’s historic boat Isabella Fortuna. Picture: Alan Hendry
Visitors queued to go on aboard the Wick Society’s historic boat Isabella Fortuna. Picture: Alan Hendry
Wick RNLI Harbour Day visitors in the marina. Picture: Alan Hendry
Wick RNLI Harbour Day visitors in the marina. Picture: Alan Hendry
RNLI mascot Stormy Stan was among those taking a trip on the Caithness Seacoast RIB, Geo Explorer. Picture: Alan Hendry
RNLI mascot Stormy Stan was among those taking a trip on the Caithness Seacoast RIB, Geo Explorer. Picture: Alan Hendry
Iona Simpson, Wick RNLI’s young person of the year, receiving her award from Murray Lamont. Picture: Alan Hendry
Iona Simpson, Wick RNLI’s young person of the year, receiving her award from Murray Lamont. Picture: Alan Hendry
Three of the Wick Young Fiddlers performing on Wick RNLI Harbour Day. Picture: Alan Hendry
Three of the Wick Young Fiddlers performing on Wick RNLI Harbour Day. Picture: Alan Hendry
Emily Morrison of the Wick Young Fiddlers. Picture: Alan Hendry
Emily Morrison of the Wick Young Fiddlers. Picture: Alan Hendry
Wick Young Fiddlers played a selection of tunes on the quayside. Picture: Alan Hendry
Wick Young Fiddlers played a selection of tunes on the quayside. Picture: Alan Hendry
Pipe Major Leslie Campbell of Wick RBLS Pipe Band. Picture: Alan Hendry
Pipe Major Leslie Campbell of Wick RBLS Pipe Band. Picture: Alan Hendry
PC Matthew Thain of Police Scotland with compere Jenny Szyfelbain. Picture: Alan Hendry
PC Matthew Thain of Police Scotland with compere Jenny Szyfelbain. Picture: Alan Hendry
Volunteers from the Wick lifeboat fundraising team were selling RNLI gifts and souvenirs. Picture: Alan Hendry
Volunteers from the Wick lifeboat fundraising team were selling RNLI gifts and souvenirs. Picture: Alan Hendry
Visitors queued to go on aboard the Wick Society’s historic boat Isabella Fortuna. Picture: Alan Hendry
Visitors queued to go on aboard the Wick Society’s historic boat Isabella Fortuna. Picture: Alan Hendry
Members of the public getting a close-up look at the Longhope lifeboat. Picture: Alan Hendry
Members of the public getting a close-up look at the Longhope lifeboat. Picture: Alan Hendry
Catrina Drummond, with Donnie and Lewis, meeting Stormy Stan. Picture: Alan Hendry
Catrina Drummond, with Donnie and Lewis, meeting Stormy Stan. Picture: Alan Hendry
Flags and bunting brought some bright colours to an otherwise grey afternoon at Wick harbour. Picture: Alan Hendry
Flags and bunting brought some bright colours to an otherwise grey afternoon at Wick harbour. Picture: Alan Hendry

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