The first female helmsman at the Kyle of Lochalsh RNLI passed her exams with flying colours yesterday. Now she, and her colleague Andrew MacDonald who also made the grade, can take command of the lifeboat the Spirit of Fred Olsen.
Emma Noble, who has volunteered on the crew for a number of years, becomes first female helm in the station’s 30-year history.
Although there have been a number of female crew members in the past, Emma has become the first to sit and pass her helm assessments, which now enables her to command the lifeboat.
Speaking of the achievement, Lifeboat Operations Manager Sandy Murray said: “It is an historic day for our lifeboat station, as Emma has become the first woman to hold the position of helm since the station was started almost 30 years ago.
“Emma has been a dedicated volunteer with us for a number of years, and this was the natural evolution for her.
“Everyone at the station would like to congratulate both Emma and Andrew.”
Kyle RNLI has first female helm in the station’s history