THE proud history of the RNLI has been formally acknowledged by Inverclyde Council ahead of the life-saving organisation’s 200th anniversary.

The Royal National Lifeboat Association (RNLI) will celebrate its bicentennial in 2024 and Councillor John Crowther asked that the local authority recognise the milestone at a full council meeting by applauding the work the charity does saving lives at sea.

Cllr Crowther said: “The estuarial and inshore coastal waters around Inverclyde are the home to many sailors who moor their vessels in the sheltered waters or berth them at the local harbours or marinas.

“Whilst Inverclyde has no RNLI station, we are amply served by RNLI stations at Largs and Rhu.

“Two hundred years ago, horses used to pull the lifeboats into the sea, now there are hi-tech tractors. Volunteers used to wear woollen hats to keep them warm, now they wear helmets.

“One thing which hasn’t changed in that time is the fact that volunteers go out in all weathers to help sailors in distress.”