Lifeboat legacy: Family marks Father's Day by saving lives at sea

A Fraserburgh lifeboat crew will be on call as usual this Father’s Day – but for one family, it’s more than a shift. It’s a legacy.

Four members of the Sutherland family – Coxswain Vic, his daughter Eilidh, brother David, and nephew Declan – serve side-by-side on the RNLI Fraserburgh lifeboat, continuing a tradition of lifesaving that dates back to 1978.

Between them, Vic and David have more than 50 years’ experience with the RNLI. Their dedication was sparked by their father, who served as a crew member and fisherman.

“I remember the phone ringing and him dropping everything to go,” said Vic. “There were no pagers then – just the house phone. We knew when it was a lifeboat call because he was gone before the phone stopped ringing.”

Now Vic’s 21-year-old daughter Eilidh is the latest to join the ranks.

“I grew up with it – I always knew I wanted to be on the crew,” she says. “It’s brought us closer, but when we’re on the boat, he’s not my dad – he’s the Coxswain.”

Despite the family connection, both father and daughter stress the importance of professionalism on duty. With the Sutherlands making up a significant part of the local crew, the RNLI in Fraserburgh relies heavily on the dedication of multi-generational volunteers.

This Father’s Day, Vic won’t be taking the day off. She said: “If the pager goes, you go. That’s how it’s always been – birthdays, anniversaries, holidays. You don’t hesitate.”

Eilidh adds that volunteering together has only strengthened their bond. “If other families are thinking about it – do it. Being there for each other while helping others is something really special.”