Members of Ayr Rotary Club received a warm welcome during a fascinating behind-the-scenes visit to Troon RNLI Lifeboat Station.
Despite the overcast skies, Lifeboat Operations Manager Jim Redmond welcomed the group and shared an insight into the vital work carried out by the station’s dedicated volunteers.
Jim, a former firefighter, became Lifeboat Operations Manager in 2019 after spending more than two years at the station as Deputy Launching Authority.
In his current role, Jim oversees operational activities at the station and is responsible for authorising lifeboat launches. He works closely with full-time Coxswain Joe Millar and Mechanic Evan Gallagher.
During the visit, Rotary members were given a detailed tour of Troon’s D-class inshore lifeboat, Sheena.
The group then watched the lifeboat being launched into the harbour as part of the volunteers’ evening training exercise, with three seals providing an unexpected audience.
The inshore lifeboat was funded through a generous legacy left by Glasgow woman Sheena Farmer, who had never visited Troon Lifeboat Station but donated enough money in her will to purchase the vessel bearing her name.
Visitors were also shown the station’s changing area, where rows of specialist boots and all-weather protective clothing highlighted the equipment required by crew members operating in difficult and potentially dangerous conditions.
Troon’s larger Shannon-class all-weather lifeboat was stationed farther along the coast at the time of the visit and was therefore unavailable for viewing.
The tour concluded in the station’s meeting room, reached through corridors displaying memorabilia reflecting the station’s history, awards, rescues and strong sense of camaraderie.
Jim then led an informative question-and-answer session, giving Rotary members the opportunity to learn more about lifeboat operations and the commitment required from RNLI volunteers.
Ayr Rotary Club president Mary Helen gave a vote of thanks to Jim and the Troon RNLI team for their hospitality.
The group rounded off the evening with a takeaway from the Wee Hurrie.