Contributions to the RNLI lifesaving charity are made in memory of stalwart Stan MacRae
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The RNLI has thanked those who donated to the volunteer charity in memory of a long-serving crewman.
A celebration of the life of Stan MacRae was held at Kessock Lifeboat Station on Tuesday attended by more than 250.
Mr MacRae (57) of Inverness, died unexpectedly on Valentine's Day in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.
Helm Douglas Munro, who was among those who paid glowing tribute to Mr MacRae, said today (Wednesday March 8): “The turnout for Stan of 252 members of the public, including the presence of HM Coastguard, several RNLI lifeboat stations and the fire service, plus his many friends and family was a fitting measure of the impact he made.
"Boats stood by from Invergordon and Thurso as we listened to wonderful stories from Stan’s fun filled life.
"Coastguard helicopter 161 attended with an impressive tribute of respect by bowing above Kilvean Cemetery.
"We are very grateful for the donations made to our charity in Stan’s memory.”
During Mr MacRae's 26 years service his tally was 407 launches, 311 incident launches, aided 181 people at sea, and saved 20 lives. He also put in 1,218 exercise hours.
One of his most dramatic and determined rescues was when a woman went into the River Ness on a bitterly cold winter night. Mr MacRae, tethered to a crewman, went into the water and grabbed hold of the woman, who started punching and kicking him.
Undaunted Mr MacRae swam ashore and ran downstream after the woman, before swimming out to her again. This attempt was also unsuccessful, but yet again he swam ashore and again chased the drifting woman who was by now at the Friar's Bridge
This time he managed to get her into a life-ring and she was hauled ashore and revived.
During the service at North Kessock station Mr MacRae's daughter Gemma was presented with the helmet her dad wore when out on the sea and an RNLI flag.
