A FAMILY’S long-standing connection to the fishing community has been extended after a teenager was named Dunbar RNLI lifeboat queen.

The annual lifeboat fête takes place next month, and the lifeboat queen and her court were announced at the weekend.

Emily Hodd, who hails from a long-standing fishing family in the town, will take on the prestigious honour.

Her grandmother Avril Lorimer’s (née Johnston) father was a fisherman in Port Seton before relocating to Dunbar.

Her grandfather Thomas Lorimer used to collect whelks and, when 15-year-old Emily’s mother was younger, she lived with her grandparents, including Sandy Johnston, who was an active fisherman in Dunbar following his relocation to marry Katie Johnston (née Herkes).

Emily’s mother Vicky Hodd and her aunt and uncle lived on Victoria Street for more than 10 years, while her great aunt and uncle had their own boat docked at the harbour.

And the family commitment to helping save lives at sea continued when Emily’s cousin, Lyndsey Sproule, participated in ‘Strictly for the Lifeboats’ in 2018 and 2019, and performed at the lifeboat fête in 2018.

Emily said: “This is my first experience of lifeboat day and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’m delighted to have been chosen as this year’s lifeboat queen.”

Her mum added: “My grandparents would have been very proud to see her crowned lifeboat queen.

“I’m sure they will be with her in spirit on the day.”

Emily’s attendants are Erin Forrester, who turns 12 on the day of the fête, and Mirren Ross, also 12.

Erin’s brother Lochlan, aged seven, is this year’s herald, while Mirren’s brother Murdo, 11, is page boy.

Erin and Lochlan’s father, Jamie Forrester, and Mirren and Murdo’s dad, Allan Ross, both serve on the lifeboat crew.

Four-year-old Zara Anderson is flowergirl this year and her mum, Lyndi Anderson, used to serve on the crew and was lifeboat queen in 2003.

Veronica Davies, Dunbar RNLI fundraising committee chairperson, said: “We’re very excited to introduce our queen and court and delighted that, once again, there is a strong connection to the crew, past and present, and to the wider fishing community.

“I’m sure all the children will do the station proud.”

The lifeboat fête takes place on July 15.

The parade along High Street begins from the Hillside Hotel at 1.15pm, before the crowning of the queen takes place at 2pm.

Among the fun and games at the harbour will be a chance to meet the volunteer lifeboat crew and view the all-weather and inshore lifeboats.

Entertainment will be provided by Strictly on the Stage, Barnstorm, East Coast Beats, Jamie Chapman and Ecosse Entertainments.

Vintage cars and Harley Davidson motorbikes will be on show and there will be numerous stalls to browse, as well as archery and children’s amusements.