A north-east lifeboat was called into action yesterday for perhaps its most unique guest.
Staff at Fraserburgh’s Tesco supermarket are currently involved in a fundraising effort for the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK – along with their mascot, Ruaridh the reindeer.
And, to help them get to Macduff, where staff will continue the shop’s charity efforts this week, they called in the help of Fraserburgh Lifeboat.
The volunteer crew offered them a tour of the coast, prior to them travelling on to their destination with the help of the Coastguard.
Last night, a spokesman for the volunteers at Fraserburgh Lifeboat described the day as “great”.
He added: “We showed them around the station and took them out on the lifeboat.
“They were very impressed and we also got a chance to show them the lighthouse and museum from the sea. Then we showed them some of the big boats in Fraserburgh Harbour.”
The mascot will visit Tesco stores throughout Scotland in an effort to raise awareness for the charities.
Sharon Mitchell, community champion at Tesco Fraserburgh, said the day went smoothly.
She added: “As community champion for Tesco Fraserburgh, it was my job to keep Ruaridh busy and he was rushed of his feet.
“On his travels so far, he has been in planes, had lots of adventures and even got married last week.
“But, as if that wasn’t dramatic enough, he got a trip in the lifeboat today followed by a run in the Coastguard’s van.
“It has been a lot of fun and, hopefully, we have raised awareness for our charities.”
During the visit to Fraserburgh, shop staff took the mascot to the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses – where it paraglided off Kinnaird Head – and delivered toys to Children 1st.
They also took Ruaridh for lunch at the town’s Here For You Centre, which helps local people develop skills to get into work.
