Bunting up at Wick quayside in readiness for annual RNLI Harbour Day
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Red, white and blue bunting is in place around the Wick quayside ahead of this weekend's RNLI Harbour Day – the main local fundraising event of the year for the charity that saves lives at sea.
The usual range of attractions will be on offer on Saturday, from 1.30pm, including stalls, music and displays by the emergency services.
Last year's Harbour Day attracted a crowd of up to 2000 and raised £12,200 for the lifeboat service.
Coxswain Allan Lipp said: "I know there's a lot on that day, outwith the county and closer to home, but any support we can get from the community is huge to us.
"If we're able to raise a decent amount of money it helps keep the station operating. That's why we're doing it, at the end of the day, but it's also a great day to put on for the community.
"The forecast is looking decent. We got the flags and bunting up on Monday night. It just adds a wee bit more brightness to the harbour – it looks quite bonny.
"There will be a number of visiting yachts. There are quite a few coming over from the Moray coast."
The Wick lifeboat Roy Barker II will again be joined by its counterpart from Longhope, while one of the crew transfer vessels from the Beatrice offshore wind farm will be taking part.
As in previous years, Wick RBLS Pipe Band will be performing on the quayside during the afternoon.
"The support from them is massive because it really does draw the crowds in, the presence that they've got," Mr Lipp said. "I'm quite privileged that they support us as well."
There will be live traditional music as well as displays by Highland dancers and majorettes.
Representatives from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, Police Scotland, Wick airport firefighters, the Scottish Ambulance Service, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and HM Coastguard will all be present.
Locally sourced burgers will be on sale at the barbecue.
Members of the Wick lifeboat crew as well as the fundraising committee turn out in force to help with the running of the event.
This year marks the 175th anniversary of a lifeboat service in Wick.
The RNLI has 238 lifeboat stations around the UK and Ireland and is funded mainly by donations. It receives no government funding.
