Former Alness Academy teacher awarded with MBE for his dedication to Invergordon RNLI
A FORMER Alness Academy teacher has been awarded with an MBE for his dedication to the Invergordon RNLI.
David Lipp, who has held many different integral roles at the Invergordon RNLI, has now been awarded with an MBE insignia for his services to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution at a presentation in the Ross Sutherland Rugby Club earlier this month.
The insignia was presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty, Joanie Whiteford. She said: “David has been an integral part of Invergordon RNLI since its inception in 1974, he has held many voluntary roles, most notably 2nd coxswain for 7 years, then coxswain for 17 years, totalling an incredible 24 years at the helm. Then more recently he was Chair of the Lifeboat Management Group. As coxswain, David served on 5 different classes of lifeboat and in 2022 saw the delivery of the state-of-the-art Shannon class lifeboat.
“His extensive maritime knowledge and skill were evident in his ability to adapt to the varying classes and capabilities of lifeboats he commanded, as well as utilising his teaching background to ensure his crew were always well trained.”
As well as his contributions to the local RNLI, David is also well-known locally as a past teacher at Invergordon and Alness Academy, and for his role providing pastoral guidance as a church elder.
Ms Whiteford continued: “There are many rescue services and incidents that are worthy of mention. A very calm and humble person, he has always played down the significance of his contribution to the RNLI and the community. One of his more notable rescues was to a semi-submersible exploration drilling rig in 1992, when a rig lifeboat had fallen 150ft into the sea with two crew on board causing serious injury. Tangled in steel and with the boat sinking, his quick decision-making made a lifesaving difference. After instructing his crew to secure the lifeboat, he tasked them to board the vessel where they used hacksaws to cut one of the casualty’s free from the twisted wreckage and extract them on a stretcher. After several months in hospital, the casualty was keen to visit the station to thank the team who saved his life. This was a remarkable outcome that required excellent leadership and boat handling skills.
“Aside from his operational roles, he has played a major part in the fundraising efforts at the station. And it is very much a family affair; Joan was souvenir secretary for many years also, and two of his three sons have also followed in his footsteps and are involved with the RNLI in varying proportions.
“Very many congratulations David, on your well deserved national honour.”
