Bikers' donation helps to keep Arbroath lifeboat afloat

Pictured (from left) are Dave Matthews, Keith May, Alex Smith, Fiona Laing, Mo Morrison and Steve Millan with crew and guild members.

A summer-long fundraising effort by former Royal Marines has resulted in a major donation to Arbroath’s lifeboat.

In association with The Bosun’s Cabin gift shop, bikers from the Royal Marine Association – Riders North raised more than £4500 for the RNLI with a series of ‘meets’ in the town

Despite the blustery weather on Saturday, representatives from the RMA North handed over a cheque for the magnificent sum of £4518.57 to Alex Smith, RNLI station manager at the lifeboat station.

The RMA Riders of the North made Arbroath Harbour their rendezvous on four occasions over the summer months, providing the locals and visitors to the area with a spectacular view of many different types of bikes – the gleaming Harley Davidson, sleek Triumph and nostalgic Lambretta Scooter to name just a few.

On one evening alone there were more than 500 bikes and bikers vying for space around the harbour area.

In addition to the they also managed to raise £2499.58 towards the RMA charity’s funds.

The riders branches help to promote comradeship amongst all Royal Marines motorcyclists and their families with the opportunity to enjoy their bikes together.

Fiona Laing from the Bosun’s Cabin, a staunch supporter of the RNLI, organised the meet and also handed over the cheque with the RMA’s Steve Millan. In turn, Mo Morrison, Arbroath Lifeboat Guild president, station LOM, Alex Smith, thanked both of them for their huge contribution to the running and general maintenance of the lifeboat station by handing over appreciation framed ‘Thank You’ certificates.

The bikers also plan to return to Arbroath next year so locals will again be treated to the spectacle of hundreds of bikes passing through the town.

Sam Clow, station coxswain/mechanic, said: ‘The time and effort given from everyone involved in these fundraising events has been incredible.

"It’s been great to see the bike meets come together, and we can’t thank them enough. Without the support we receive from the groups and individuals within our community, we couldn’t continue to assist those in need along the Angus coast."