GIRVAN’S New Shannon Class Lifeboat was officially named and dedicated at the Lifeboat Station last weekend.

On Saturday, May 5 hundreds of VIPs, guests, families, friends and the community lined Girvan harbour Quayside for the official naming and dedication service.

The afternoon began with the National Anthems, of ‘God Save the Queen’ and ‘Flower of Scotland’ which was accompanied by Ex-crewman and Pipe Major John Wilson,

The ceremony was officially opened by Girvan Lifeboat Chairman John Warwick.

Girvan Primary School kids gave a fantastic rendition of ‘We are Sailing’.

Alan Reid, who was present as the donor’s representative, then handed the lifeboat into the care of Roger Lockwood CB, chair of the RNLI Scottish Council.

She was then accepted on behalf of the station and crew by Girvan’s lifeboat operations manager John Gourlay.

The Rev. Richard Moffat led the service of dedication followed by Alan Reid officially naming RNLB Elizabeth and Gertrude Allan,.

This was mirrored with New Coxwain/Mechanic Callum Govus christening the lifeboat with the now traditional Quaich of Whisky, Lifeboat operations manager John Gourlay.

Mr Gourlay joined the children from Girvan Primary School then performed ‘Home from the Sea’.

The ceremony was brought to a close by Robert McMaster, former Girvan Lifeboat coxswain and now Area Lifesaving Manager.

This provided a lump in the throat and heartfelt address and note of thanks.

Girvan lifeboat station would like to thank everyone involved in making this day possible and for their continued support.

They are proud to carry on the values of their colleagues who first served in Girvan more than 150 years ago with their state of the art Shannon Class Lifeboat.

Pictures by Nicholas Leach.