HISTORY has been made as Dunbar RNLI has appointed its first female launch authority.

Fiona Kibby, the town’s harbourmaster, has taken on the role, joining five other people in the position at the station.

The role involves RNLI volunteers assessing whether it is safe to launch, regardless of the emergency.

Fiona said: “I’m delighted to be asked to be a launch authority and proud to be the first female in the role.

“It’s great to join the team and to be able to carry on the fine traditions of Dunbar RNLI.”

Fiona started work as the town’s harbourmaster a year ago, just days after moving to join her mum, Elspeth Brown, in Dunbar, having spent 15 years living and working in England.

And she has already had an introduction to the launch authority role, watching her deputy Denholm Horsburgh, a long-standing launch authority and former crew member.

Grandchildren 'very excited'

She said: “At least one of us is here in the harbour 365 days a year so it made sense to take on the role.

“Working with Denholm, I’ve learned so much about the responsibilities, which are very similar to what we do in the harbour.

“It’s about making sure protocols are followed and to ensure we have that calm, detached response to a crisis.”

Originally from Milngavie, Fiona spent time in Gourock, where she developed a love of sailing.

Since moving to Dunbar, she has joined the sailing and rowing clubs.

And Fiona, who is mum to daughter Christine, revealed becoming a volunteer with the RNLI had been a hit with her two grandchildren – Ruby, 14, and Aaron, 10.

She said: “They are very excited I’m getting involved with the lifeboat.

“Ruby, as a sea cadet, especially loves anything to do with the lifeboats so she’s thrilled!”