Eyemouth and St Abbs Host Women in Search and Rescue Scotland Event

That the Parliament congratulates all at Eyemouth RNLI Lifeboat Station and St Abbs Independent Lifeboat on hosting the Women in Search and Rescue Scotland event on 19 and 20 September 2026; understands that Eyemouth and St Abbs were two of only three lifeboat stations to host the Scotland-wide event, welcoming 42 women from 24 lifeboat stations from communities across Scotland to the Berwickshire coast; notes that this was only the second Women in Search and Rescue Scotland event, following the inaugural event in Inverness in 2025; understands that the weekend included practical exercises involving four lifeboats, shore-based training, skills workshops and opportunities for volunteers to share knowledge and experience; recognises the contribution of Caroline White of Eyemouth RNLI, a veterinary nurse who joined the crew earlier in 2026 after being inspired by her son, Aidan, who is currently the station’s youngest crew member; further recognises the contribution of Julie McBirnie of St Abbs Independent Lifeboat, who joined the volunteer crew following her retirement as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon and has served with the independent lifeboat for four years; commends the volunteers at Eyemouth and St Abbs for helping to welcome women involved in search and rescue from communities across Scotland to the Berwickshire coast; recognises the important contribution made by women serving in search and rescue, as well as all those who volunteer to protect lives at sea; considers the hosting of this Scotland-wide event to be a testament to the important role that the lifeboat communities of Eyemouth and St Abbs play in maritime safety, and wishes Eyemouth RNLI, St Abbs Independent Lifeboat and everyone involved in Women in Search and Rescue Scotland continued success.