Wick lifeboat volunteer Mhairi urges women to help save lives at sea
Wick RNLI stalwart Mhairi Ross is urging other women to follow her example and join the lifeboat service, describing it as “an incredible opportunity to be part of something meaningful”.
Mhairi is one of a number of females from the RNLI across Scotland sharing their stories to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, hoping to inspire more women to play a part in saving lives at sea.
Around 15 per cent of RNLI operational crew are women, with many others involved in fundraising, water safety and other roles.
Mhairi (48) is a paramedic and nurse who also volunteers as a navigator on the Wick lifeboat Roy Barker II.
Last year was an unforgettable one for Mhairi. She and her partner Allan Lipp, the Wick lifeboat coxswain, attempted to become the first mixed pair to complete an unsupported circumnavigation of the British mainland by rowing boat and she was nominated for the Royal College of Nursing Scotland People’s Choice Award.
Mhairi and Allan spent 80 days at sea on The Long Row Home before prolonged bad weather forced them to pause the challenge after 1465 nautical miles, with around 220 still to go before reaching their home port.
The couple had set off from Wick on June 1. They came ashore on August 20 at Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull, having been battered by the elements.
They raised over £78,000, including Gift Aid, to be divided between two charities – the RNLI and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance.
“The Long Row Home was incredibly challenging,” Mhairi. “We gave it our all.
“Never in our wildest dreams did we think we could raise anywhere close to such a phenomenal amount of money.”
She added: “The nomination for the People’s Choice Award was an unexpected but humbling honour. It’s a privilege to be able to use my skills as a nurse or paramedic, alongside my volunteer role with the RNLI.
“Growing up in the Outer Hebrides, I developed a deep appreciation for the sea and an early awareness of the RNLI’s lifesaving mission. Every job you do is an important one.
“It’s precious to know you’ve saved somebody’s life, but the calls we go out on where someone hasn’t survived are just as vital.”
Mhairi’s volunteer work has included teaching schoolchildren about water safety.
“Part of what I love about the RNLI is telling stories of the sea and teaching people how to stay safe,” she said. “The prevention aspect is just as rewarding as saving lives.”
Mhairi is keen to encourage other females to get involved, saying: “Just do it. Go along, speak to your local station.
“There are so many roles for women in the RNLI now – shore crew, fundraising, community engagement, and more. It’s an incredible opportunity to be part of something meaningful and make friends for a lifetime.”
Anyone interested in volunteering for the RNLI should visit https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution was established in 1824. The charity has 46 lifeboat stations in Scotland and relies on volunteers and supporters.