A group of hearty volunteers are keeping with tradition as they devote more than 30 years service to the RNLI.
Members of the Inverness and North Kessock RNLI fundraising branch returned to Eastgate Shopping Centre this week to host their annual pre-Christmas gift and souvenir stall.
The annual fundraiser has been running since the early 1980s with volunteers turning up year-round to lend their support.
The stall, situated outside Waterstones, features a variety of Christmas cards, souvenirs and stocking fillers, with all proceeds being donated to the Kessock lifeboat crew.
Challenging fundraising year
Chairwoman Alison Marr has been volunteering on the stall for more than 30 years, raising money in memory of her great-grandfather.
She said they are delighted to be back helping raise much-needed funds for the charity.
“Many of us have lifelong connections to the sea and come from families where the sea was either our livelihood or our leisure,” she said.
“My great grandfather was a trawler engineer who sailed on the first season of the SS Tento in 1900. It was lost in a huge storm and my great-grandmother was left with seven children.
”We really are delighted to be back as a full crew with a physical presence at this pre-Christmas event at the Eastgate Centre.
“As with all charities, we have experienced the most challenging period for fundraising and we appreciate the creative ways the public have continued to support the RNLI.
“Traditionally the people of Inverness and the surroundings have given us great support and we really look forward to seeing them again.”
RNLI Kessock has provided a volunteer emergency search and rescue service for 28 years.
This year alone, the crew has launched to the aid of people in distress in the Moray and Beauly Firth more than 30 times.
The money raised by the sale of Christmas souvenirs will contribute vital funds to continue their lifesaving work.
Jacquie Heaton, who is secretary of the fundraising branch, has also dedicated more than 20 years service to the cause.
In her youth she spent a lot of time on boats, but stressed her family always felt passionate about placing their support behind the charity’s lifesaving volunteers.
She said: “Sailing as a family we felt we must support the RNLI. Though we never needed them, we knew they were there.”
Shoppers can visit the stall until 5pm on Sunday.