A coastguard volunteer who has helped keep waters around Skye safe for over three decades has had her work recognised by the organisation and colleagues.
Kenina Mackenzie, Station Officer and Team Leader of the Duntulm Coastguard Rescue Team, followed in her father’s footsteps when she joined the maritime emergency service in January 1993.
Now, 31 years later and with her own son as one of her team mates, she has received a special 30-year clasp to adorn her previous 20-year Coastguard Long Service Medal.
The clasp was presented to Kenina by Assistant Chief Coastguard for Scotland and Northern Ireland Pat O’Callaghan during a coastguard training session held at the West Highland Hotel in Mallaig on March 23-24.
“A lot of folks say it is not often I am speechless, but I was,” Kenina said of the award.
“I was emotional. My father passed away two years ago, so I think he would have been quite proud. He was very proud of John, my son, when he joined.”
Her son was ‘quite chuffed’ about his mother receiving the award, she added.
For Kenina, the modern coastguard is a very different organisation from the one her father - who served for 13 years - inspired her to join.
“In them days there was not quite the same amount of equipment,” she explained.
“Now we get helicopters, the new lifeboats, the brilliant gear for cliff rescues. The coastguard has come on a long way.
“There have been lots of changes, and I have met some lovely people and helped some lovely people.
“There have been some sad occasions too.
“The other thing I have seen in these 30 years is the amount of women that have come into the service. When I came in there weren’t many of us.”
Colin Laing, Senior Coastal Operations Officer for Area 18 (Loch Linnhe to Outer Hebrides), praised Kenina for her dedication to duty, which she has no plans to end any time soon.
“Being part of a Coastguard Rescue Team as a volunteer is hard work and the dedication shown by Kenina over the last 30 years is commendable.
“I am sure all the coastguard is thankful and wishes her all the best with her continued service,” he said.
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