McArthur marks 200 years of RNLI in Scottish Parliament
Ahead of the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament thanking the charity for its life-saving work, and paying tribute to the efforts of volunteers and fundraisers.
Mr McArthur said:
“I am glad to see MSPs from across the parties and around the country paying tribute to the immense bravery and service of RNLI volunteers. There is recognition too of the contribution made by local fundraisers and supporters who help ensure the RNLI has the means to carry out its vital work.
“In coastal and island communities like Orkney, the RNLI holds a special place in the hearts of local people who understand very well the important role RNLI volunteers play in keeping our communities safe. In marking 200 years of the organisation, I want to offer my thanks to all those who play their part in this unique, lifesaving service. And here’s to the next 200 years.”
The motion text reads in full:
That the Parliament thanks the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) for 200 years of life-saving work; understands that the charity was founded on 4 March 1824 by Sir William Hillary, and that, throughout the past two centuries, it has worked across the UK and Ireland to save lives at sea; recognises that the charity has saved over 140,000 lives since its founding; pays tribute to the RNLI crew who volunteer to face challenging and sometimes dangerous situations, in an act of charity, and in particular to those more than 600 RNLI crew members who have lost their lives in service since 1824; notes the reliance of RNLI on community fundraisers, which play a vital role in the functioning of the organisation; believes that the organisation represents some of the best of the humanitarian spirit in the country, especially in coastal and island communities, and hopes for many more years of bravery and service from RNLI.