Locals and visitors turned out in force on Saturday for the naming ceremony of Kippford RNLI’s new lifeboat – a year after it arrived on station.
The new boat came to Kippford Lifeboat Station on April 27 last year but pandemic restrictions meant the occasion had to be postponed.
Dry weather held long enough for assembled guests to enjoy the outdoor part of the event, which included naming The Ronnie Sinclair and a service of dedication.
The boat was gifted to the RNLI by a legacy bequest from Sheila Sinclair, who was a keen supporter of the RNLI during her life, latterly spent in North Berwick.
She asked that the lifeboat be named in memory of her late brother Ronnie who spent many years serving in the Royal Navy.
The ceremony was opened by Jim Prentice, chairman of the Lifeboat Management Group who welcomed everyone to the event in particular members of the Sinclair family.
Nicola Crawford, daughter of Ronnie Sinclair, handed the lifeboat into the care of the RNLI.
She said: “It’s an honour to be able to hand this lifeboat to the RNLI named after my dad and donated by my aunt.
“Although she didn’t know which part of Scotland the lifeboat would end up in I think Sheila would be delighted to see it here in Kippford in this beautiful part of the country.”
Volunteers at Kippford RNLI were pleased that so many members of the Sinclair family were able to attend.
Kippford Lifeboat Operations Manager Gareth Jones gratefully accepted the Ronnie Sinclair on behalf of the station and crew and told guests the lifeboat had already launched seven times since being on station
He said: “I speak on behalf of everyone at Kippford RNLI when I say this is a proud day for the station.”
Roger Lockwood, RNLI trustee and chairman of the Scottish RNLI Council, accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the RNLI and handed it into the care of Kippford Lifeboat Station.
He said: “The generous bequest for this lifeboat stands for two things – firstly the memory of Ronnie Sinclair, and secondly it is a gift of life.
“This boat will be used to save lives and we’re grateful for the management team, crew, fundraisers and supporters at Kippford who enable that to happen.”
The service of dedication was led by the Reverend Oonagh Dee before Mr Prentice invited Norma Sinclair with Angus, Isobel and Stella Crawford to name the lifeboat.
Following a vote of thanks the lifeboat was launched and the volunteer crew gave the assembled crowd a demonstration of the D-class vessel’s speed and manoeuvrability.
Guests were then invited to join the crew for refreshments at the village hall.
At the close a bouquet of flowers was presented to Norma Sinclair by local girl Ava McDonald.
