An RNLI volunteer, who has been serving the Queensferry station for 50 years, has been recognised by the charity for his efforts in saving lives at sea.

Donald Quate started volunteering at the station as a boat crew member in 1975, and worked his way up to the role of helm.

In 1993, he stepped into a shoreside role as a Launching Authority, a post he held for more than 20 years.

Since 2016 he been involved in the management of the station.

Donald Quate at the helm of Queensferry Lifeboat, the Constance McNay.

placeholder image — Donald Quate at the helm of Queensferry Lifeboat, the Constance McNay.

Throughout his 16 years on the crew, he was accredited with saving 37 lives.

Reflecting on his volunteering career, Donald said that his most challenging and memorable service call was to the Switha, a large fishery patrol vessel that ran aground one mile east of Inchkeith Island during a storm on January 31, 1980.

At 5.30am, the crew of three launched the then Atlantic-21 lifeboat, Mary Livingstone, into a strong easterly force nine gale.

Battling against the weather and as the lifeboat passed Oxcars Lighthouse, the crew encountered short, steep waves which swamped the boat, eventually causing both engines to stop.

Queensferry RNLI volunteers with Lifeboat Operations Manager David Smart (centre left) and Donald Quate (centre right) with his long service award. (Pics: Sarah Sim/RNLI)

Whilst the crew of the Switha were successfully evacuated by helicopter, the lifeboat sheltered in the lee of Inchcolm Island where the crew attempted engine repairs before being towed to Port Edgar.

The crew received a letter of commendation from the RNLI for their bravery and rescue efforts that night.

Over the past 50 years, there has been significant changes at Queensferry RNLI Lifeboat Station and at the charity.

Donald has been at the station throughout its transformation – from a small wooden shed in 1967, to its replacement with a more modern structure in 1989, which is now the Coastguard station, and the opening of the current station in 2012.

“When I began volunteering, the kit was only a waterproof jacket, waders and cork filled lifejackets,” said Donald.

“I remember the kit always being damp, as we didn’t have any way to quickly dry it.

“Now, the volunteers have dry-suits and high tech lifejackets, along with a much more advanced lifeboat and a station with central heating!”

However, there has been one constant in all his many years volunteering with the RNLI in the Ferry.

He added: “What hasn’t changed is the RNLI volunteers’ dedication to their training and readiness to leave their jobs, families and friends to respond to those that need help 24/7, 365 days a year.”

Close to the Forth Bridge, Queensferry Lifeboat Station was established in 1967 with the new station being built in 2012.

Over the years, members of the crew have been presented with three awards for their gallantry.

As well as saving lives on the water, the station is an integral part of the town and members play a role in many of the community events, including the annual Ferry Fair and Loony Dook.