Skipinnish salute lifeboat heroes in new charity single
Tiree-born fisherman and musician MacPhail has spent his life on or around the sea and comes from a line of seafarers, including his father, uncle and grandfather. His brother is also a fisherman. Over the years, he has seen first hand the vital work of the lifeboat service and knows many who have been brought home to safety by the brave volunteer crews, and sadly, some who have not made it back to land.
In composing The Lifeboat, MacPhail has captured the two hundred years of selfless courage that the service continues to deliver to save lives at sea, with crews often going above and beyond to bring seafarers home to their families. His lyrics also vividly describe the challenging weather and sea conditions they routinely face.
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There is also a poignant mention of some lifeboats and crews who, over the years, have headed on a rescue but sadly did not return to shore, having succumbed to the very dangers they battle on behalf of others.
MacPhail ends by invoking a sense of pride and honour in the crews that set sail each time, emphasising the two centuries of courage and sacrifice and most importantly the sheer number of lives saved.
Joining Skipinnish on the single is Fisherman's Friends, the renowned group from Cornwall who are known around the world for their sea shanties and traditional songs of the sea. The Fisherman's Friends name springs from the fact that they were a group of fishermen, lifeboatmen and coastguards who got together to sing and make music.
The Lifeboat will be debuted live by the two bands at Skipinnish's headline concert at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on Saturday September 27. The song will get its Cornish debut in May 2026 when Skipinnish appear at the Fisherman's Friends' very own festival.
(L-R) Skipinnish's Angus MacPhail, Andrew Stevenson and Rory Grindlay watching the Anstruther Lifeboat head to sea (Image: Stephen Kearney)
Angus MacPhail said: 'Of all the songs I have written over the years The Lifeboat feels one of the most personal. What the lifeboat service does every day is nothing short of remarkable and I wanted to capture the selfless sacrifice of the crews who step up at a moment's notice, despite often not knowing what scenario they are heading into. It is a huge honour that The Fisherman's Friends have joined us for this track. Their links with the sea, with fishing and with the RNLI are strong and there could not be a better musical addition to add to the message of the song.'
Much inspiration for the song was from his close friend and business partner Donald William MacLeod MBE. Donald has been coxswain on the Barra Island lifeboat in the Western Isles for the last 25 years and is highly decorated for his bravery having received the RNLI's Bronze Medal for Gallantry and The Lady Swathing Cup for Outstanding Feat of Seamanship in 2007. He was awarded an MBE for Services to Maritime Safety in 2013. A highly capable seafarer and lifelong fisherman, Donald has executed his coxswain role with a quiet commitment to the service.
He said: 'The Lifeboat beautifully captures the courage and bravery I see in my crew every time we set to sea to bring people home safely. Inevitably there is a sense of trepidation in what we are about to face but I know all on board will do their utmost to achieve the best outcome. This song will create a sense of pride and honour among crews as it'll act as a reminder of their constant sacrifice for others.'
Martin Macnamara who volunteers with Anstruther RNLI and is the Regional Communications Lead for the RNLI in Scotland, commented: 'The work of the RNLI fills us all with such pride and respect for the selfless dedication to saving lives at sea. I was thrilled to receive the approach from Skipinnish regarding the song and we are all delighted Skipinnish and Fisherman's Friends have worked on this single, bringing together two different parts of the country but whose common understanding and respect for the sea, and support for the RNLI means a great deal to us. With the proceeds of The Lifeboat going towards our lifesaving mission, it will support the vital work we do across the UK and Ireland.'
Fisherman's Friends' Jason Nicholas knows the beauty and bounty of the sea but also its power and cruelty having spent his life in the fishing industry and recently stepped down from the Padstow Lifeboat after 20 years' service. He said: 'For those of us who make a living from the sea, the RNLI is our emergency service, something we never underestimate or take for granted. To honour them in this way is hugely symbolic given how tales of the sea and heroism have inspired many songs through the ages. To be asked by Skipinnish to contribute to The Lifeboat was an easy decision for us as the song's sentiment resonates so strongly with us all.'
All proceeds from digital purchases and streaming of this song will be paid in support of the RNLI.
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