Parliament praise for sea rescuer
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THE commitment of Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation's deputy coxswain has been recognised in the Scottish Parliament.
Donald Watson has retired after 14 years of volunteering for the life-saving rescue service.
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston submitted a motion to the parliament yesterday congratulating Mr Watson on his retirement and highlighting his, and the team's, dedication.
Mr Halcro Johnston said: "I was delighted to be able to mark Mr Watson’s contribution with a motion to the Scottish Parliament.
"It is the commitment of volunteers like him which sustains so many of the organisations that we, as a community, have come to rely on.
"Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation (MIRO) crew members make themselves available on a 24/7 basis and, I understand, were called out 15 times during 2018 alone. In fact, they were in action just a few days ago helping to assist some people stranded on a sandbar near Nairn.
"My congratulations to Mr Watson and the rest of the MIRO team for their work in coming to the assistance of those who find themselves in distress at sea and along the Moray coast."
MIRO was formed in July 2005 as a response to a need for a dedicated rescue service to cover Findhorn Bay and its approaches. The Maritime Coastguard Agency tasked MIRO to cover Findhorn Bay and its approaches and the inshore waters of the Moray Firth between Burghead and Nairn. Inshore waters are defined as up to three miles offshore.
MIRO operates an inshore rescue boat from its base at Findhorn boatyard and marina.
Earlier this week, MIRO chairman John Low said: "We are very grateful to Donald for his commitment.
"Donald’s input has most definitely enhanced the service we have been able to provide and it has been a privilege to work with him."
MIRO senior coxswain Simon Paterson said: "He has trained and inspired numerous crew members over the years and has been available for call-outs 24 hours a day, seven days a week since then.
"He has towed, assisted, rescued and helped many people who have required our service.
"There are numerous people who are still alive today because of Donald."
