Memorial means Stan 'can still be with us on every launch', says RNLI crew
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Family and friends of a much-loved RNLI crew member gathered today at a memorial cairn in his honour which overlooks the Beauly Firth.
Stan MacRae (57), who passed away 12 months ago, was one of the Kessock branch's longest serving volunteers and his death shocked the community and sparked an outpouring of love.
His funeral at the Kessock Lifeboat Station last March drew a huge crowd, with people flocking to the seafront to pay their respects, and RNLI vessels and colleagues providing an honour-guard.
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And in a further moving tribute to the memory and legacy of the much-missed RNLI stalwart, people gathered at a memorial cairn in his honour this weekend to remember "our friend, our colleague, our rock... a man with knowledge that can't be taught, dedication that can't be mirror and humour that can't be forgotten".
A spokesperson for the RNLI's Kessock team, said: "In memory of Stan, we have had a cairn erected next to the west slip at RNLI Kessock Lifeboat which means that Stan can still be with us on every launch.
"We would like to thank, Stone Source Inverness for donating the top and for discounting the stone, thanks to Jon Hearach Memorials Ltd for his amazing work and craftsmanship, thanks to Travis Perkins for donating materials. A massive thanks goes to Craig Fraser Dry Stone Walls for his time, effort and patience in building the cairn.
"Also thanks to our good friends and fundraisers Harry Gow for supplying cakes and refreshments this morning and also Highland Audio for supplying and operating the sound equipment for today’s memorial.
"We were joined by members of Stan's family, RNLI colleagues past and present and friends of Stan and Kessock lifeboat station. Lastly thank you to the lady’s of our fundraising branch who came along this morning to show their support and assist with teas and coffees for our guests.
"Please feel free to come and visit Stan's memorial to remember him and the legacy he has left behind."
