A film giving a rare insight into lifeboat crews as they battle against the elements is being screened in Stornoway this week.
Launch! On The Sea With Scotland’s Lifeboats has dived into archive footage of RNLI crews, with an immersive soundtrack from some of the UK’s most exciting contemporary musicians.
Footage from the 20s of lifeboats from the National Library of Scotland moving image archive is woven with 1960s colour promotional films and breath-
Reflecting modern volunteer lifeboat crews, Launch! also features images of the women who save lives at sea in Scotland.
Film director Shona Thomson said: “It’s been quite a journey but I’m grateful everyone involved in Launch! has sustained that passion for sharing the incredible work of the RNLI with audiences who want to come back together and return to their local cinemas.
“I feel honoured that the RNLI generously opened up their archives to me.
“With a beautiful soundtrack that intertwines sensitively with the archive images, Launch! is an atmospheric film made for the big screen that I hope cinemagoers will enjoy as it truly does take a community to launch a lifeboat.”
Roger Lockwood, chair of the RNLI Scottish Council, said: “This is a truly unique and exciting opportunity for audiences to see for themselves the operations of the RNLI in Scotland.
“Scotland's 46 lifeboat stations provide coverage for some of the most dangerous coastal waters in the world -
“I am delighted that through Launch! a wider public will be able to appreciate the selflessness of our Lifeboat volunteers who put their own lives at risk to save others.”
The film is being shown at An Lanntair on Friday evening. Proceeds for the £5 entry fee will be donated to Stornoway RNLI.
New film offers remarkable insight into lifeboat rescue work over the decades
30 November 2021
Jack Lowe / NLS
In 1964 the Longhope lifeboat rescued the crew of the trawler, MFV Ben Barvas, which wrecked in very heavy seas on the Pentland Skerries. The breeches-
RNLI
Saving people in peril on the sea: The film recounts how women and men risk their lives to save others