The proud history of the RNLI has been acknowledged by Inverclyde Council ahead of the life-saving organisation’s 200^th anniversary.

The Royal National Lifeboat Association (RNLI) will celebrate its bicentennial in 2024 and Councillor John Crowther asked that the local authority formally recognise the milestone at a full council meeting on Thursday 7 December 2023.

The request sought agreement from elected members to recognise and applaud the work the charity does saving lives at sea.

Cllr Crowther said: “The estuarial and inshore coastal waters around Inverclyde are the home to many sailors who moor their vessels in the sheltered waters or berth them at the local harbours or marinas.

“Whilst Inverclyde has no RNLI station, we are amply served by RNLI stations at Largs and Rhu.

“Two hundred years ago, horses used to pull the lifeboats into the sea, now there are hi-tech tractors. Volunteers used to wear woollen hats to keep them warm, now they wear helmets.

“One thing which hasn’t changed in that time is the fact that volunteers go out in all weathers to help sailors in distress.”

Councillors unanimously agreed the request.

The full text of the request reads:

As we countdown to 2024, Council is requested to celebrate the RNLI who will shortly be celebrating their 200th Anniversary of saving lives at sea.

Council recognises and applauds the RNLI staff and heroic volunteers who put to sea around the coasts of the UK, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in all sea conditions whenever there is a call for assistance, whether it be a Pan-Pan call or a Mayday shout.

The estuarial and inshore coastal waters around Inverclyde are the home to many sailors who moor their vessels in the sheltered waters or berth them at the local harbours or marinas and whilst Inverclyde has no RNLI station, we are amply served by RNLI stations at Largs or Rhu (Helensburgh).

The Council wishes the RNLI continued success for many years to come.