Inspirational RNLI member shares powerful story ahead of International Women's Day

Among them is Arran’s very own Áine Purcell-Milton – a marine biologist and the executive director of COAST, who joined the RNLI volunteer crew nearly three years ago.

Áine is a member of the boat crew at the Arran RNLI station in Lamlash and was one of the team members involved in rescuing three fishermen from their vessel in the Clyde after it collided with a tanker and sank in April last year.

“The best part of volunteering with the RNLI is being part of an organisation that is vital for the safety of people while out at sea. I spend lots of my spare time on the water, and it gives me peace of mind that the RNLI is there if things go wrong," said Áine.

Echoing Áine’s comments, volunteer at Peterhead RNLI lifeboat station Louise Cordiner said: “Anyone considering volunteering should definitely try it out and push themselves out of their comfort zone. You never know what you’re fully capable of!”

For those ill at ease at sea, Mhairi Ross, a volunteer at Wick RNLI lifeboat station, reminds people there are plenty of ways to help on land. She said: “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."