Retiring coastguard station officer in Highlands looks back on more than two decades of protecting lives at sea
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A retiring coastguard station officer in the Highlands says it has been a privilege to help so many people in their hour of need.
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Nairn station officer Tom Rennie first joined HM Coastguard in 2002 after a tragic drowning incident at the town's beach.
Previously a Royal Navy Mine Clearance Diver, he thought his skills could be transferrable.
But he is now hanging up his life jacket after 21 years with the service.
On his final day, his colleagues threw a special presentation to say goodbye and thank you.
"It has been an honour to serve for 21 years and a privilege to have been able to help so many people in their hour of need," he said.
"A highlight for me was becoming one of the founding members of the first ever HM Coastguard Water Rescue Team, formed following extensive flooding in the Moray and Highlands area in the early 2000s.
"This team helped shape our current water rescue training and protocols."
He is now looking forward to travelling around Scotland with his wife Margaret in their new motorhome.
Senior coastal operations officer Colin Wood said: "We’re really going to miss Tom, but Nairn station and beyond thank him for his service and wish him the very best in his retirement."
