Fond farewell to 'trusted' RNLI lifeboat in Invergordon as volunteers mark end of an era; Shannon class Agnes AP Barr takes over from Douglas Aikman Smith as Easter Ross town looks back over life-saving contribution
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A LIFEBOAT which became an integral part of the identity of an Easter Ross town over the past quarter of a century was at the centre of a poignant send-off at the weekend.
On a day when pride was tinged with sadness, Invergordon bade a fond farewell to its Trent class lifeboat Douglas Aikman Smith (RNLI 14-08) which has been replaced by the Shannon class Agnes AP Barr (RNLI 13-37).
The new vessel – which bears the names of 9500 on her hull as part of the charity's Launch a Memory campaign – escorted her up the Cromarty Firth and toward Inverness Marina where she will be part of the Scottish Relief Lifeboat Fleet.
During her time in Invergordon, the old vessel launched 396 times, assisting hundreds of people in difficulty and saving 10 lives at sea.
A spokesman for RNLI Invergordon said it was an emotional moment for many and that the vessel "will continue as a trusted asset to any station who she serves with as a relief lifeboat".
To the unmistakeable backdrop of her two diesel MAN engines, members of the volunteer crew took their trusted old vessel on its passage to the Highland capital.
She arrived in 1996 and has been pressed into service on a huge variety of shouts which have included rescuing stricken vessels in and around the Cromarty, Moray, Dornoch and Beauly Firths, going to the aid of stranded walkers caught out by tides and helping police in missing persons searches.
Amongst the ten lives she is credited with saving were two last year just a short distance from the station.
She also made an appearance on the BBC’s Saving Lives at Sea.
Invergordon's proud maritime tradition is quickly evident to any visitor to the town and its lifeboat heritage is reflected in prominent murals on its streets.
As well as being a welcome sight to the hundreds she has helped at sea, she also welcomed thousands more aboard for a look around and an insight into RNLI volunteering at harbour open days.
Related: Dawn of a new era in Invergordon
WATCH: Shannon class lifeboat makes an appearance in Easter Ross
Lifeboat to the rescue as swimmers caught out by tide take refuge on rig
PICTURES: Artist revisits town's proud murals
