Lifeboat open day raises record sum

A huge number of people turned out to support the annual Lerwick Lifeboat Open Day on Saturday, contributing a record £10,000.

With live music, games and food, demonstrations from the emergency services, including the police and fire brigade, and the chance to go aboard the lifeboat Michael and Jane Vernon, the day was a great success.

Among the entertainments was the chance to dunk the coastguard crew or take a trip around Bressay on the NorthLink ferry the Hjaltland. There were also radio-controlled boats to play with, face painting and a lucky dip and raffle.

Six bands entertained the crowds throughout the day, including Scaldin Bragg, the Donald Anderson Band, Sheila Henderson and Rummle. The Lerwick Brass Band also played a medley of tunes which included the Rocky theme tune.

Several presentations were made to the RNLI on the day, which was described as the most successful lifeboat open day ever. Among the fundraisers was Bethany Best, who raised £110 and £111.42 for the RNLI and was presented with two certificates of thanks by coxswain Bruce Leask.

Lerwick Ladies Lifeboat Guild president Linda Simpson said the day had been a huge success.

Mrs Simpson said: “It was a splendid day, the weather really made it. There were hundreds of people on the pier and over 500 people went on the NorthLink trip.”

She said that the money raised was among the highest sums ever collected open days, and up around £3,000 on last year’s total.

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