Lifeboat raft race day makes a big splash
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And they got the special treat of Stormy Stan leading the Ardross Pipe Band to the Lifeboat Station.
Among the crowd who enjoyed the medley of tunes were those from the cruise liner Royal Princess which had docked earlier in the day – and many from around the world took the opportunity of a selfie with Stormy Stan.
A varied range of stalls was organised by Gloria Mackenzie, from Gemporia Crafts. Crafts on show included pebble art, quilting, engraving and even artistic whisky bottle lights.
Elsewhere, raft race teams – all in fancy dress – paddled out on the Cromarty Firth in ideal conditions, and by the first marker bouy Smurfs, from ILM Highland in Alness, had a clear lead. They managed to increase their gap over Mermaid Squad from Pat Munro (Alness) with Milnafua Rift Raft taking third.
The Mermaid Squad did, however, claim the fancy dress winners shield.
Shortly after the race, the RNLI all-weather Trent Class Lifeboat undertook a couple of demonstrations for the crowds.
Paco’s Pet Show was also a great success with all shapes and sizes of dog being entered.
Fire crews from Invergordon and the Scottish Ambulance Service – with the latest ambulance – also proved popular.
More than £4500 was raised from the event and topped off with a donation from the Port of Cromarty Firth.
Lifeboat spokesman Michael MacDonald said: “The lifeboat open day this year was excellent, with everyone having fun. The crowds were amazing, everyone was happy, and we raised an overwhelming £4500 plus for the RNLI which will go towards continuing to help save lives at sea.
“We would like to thank everyone who came along on Saturday with special thanks go to Port of Cromarty Firth and their helpers on the days leading up and the day – all the crafters, Ardross Pipe Band, Corralach, Tom Black with the Alness Ice Cream Van, Hercher’s Funfair, fire and ambulance emergency services, everyone who contributed homebaking, and of course the lifeboat crew and Easter Ross fundraising branch for making this a memorable successful day yet again.”
n Dog show winners: ‘Scruffy Wuffy’ award – 1 Aela, Macgregor, Schnauzer; 2 Millie, Aimee Round, Cavapoo; 3 Rosie, David, Chiapso pup; Waggiest tail – 1 Duke, Erin and Amy, Collie; 2 Jorge, Joanne Leonard, Bavarian Mountain Hound; 3 Oscar, Abby, Cavapoo.
Friendliest pet – 1 Roxy, Nicola and Hannah, Black Lab; 2 Luca, Janette, Chocolate Lab; 3 Otis, Aimee Pointon, Labradoodle;
Perfect imperfection award – 1 Selkie, Lauren Wilson, Spaniel; 2 Brian, Sheila Steven, English Bulldog; 3 Jed, Daisy, Lhasa Apso.
Best golden oldie – 1 Kiata, Katriona Maclean, Lhasa Apso; 2 Riley, Sandra Swanson, French Mastiff; 3 Bailey, M Mackenzie, Jap Spitz/Papillion.
Best junior handler – 1 Rosie, David, Chiapso Pup; 2 Takara, M Mackenzie (Kayly), Spitz; 3 Storm, Connor and Ryan, GSD Pup
Best friends award (pets and humans) – 1 Jed, Daisy, Lhasa Apso; 2 Bently and Scooby, Chyvonne, Golden and Choc Labs; 3 Molly, Gorgette MacIvor; Gorgeous Girl – 1 equal Takara, M Mackenzie, Spitz; Flufty, McGowan; 3 Breigha, Isla and Alex, Springer Spaniel; Fabulous Fella – 1 Khafre, Mary Meechan, Lhasa Apso; 2 Jango, Sandra Swanson, Bavarian Mountain Hound; 3 Bear, Claire Daniels, Black Lab.
Best in show – Rosette - Rosie. Reserve champion – Aela. Poshan Shield – Riley.
