Reinstate Norman Macleod

Norman Macleod, a coastguard station officer at Wick and a volunteer of 44 years was suspended and cornered into resigning after he swore during a search for a missing person. Eight staff tended their resignations in his support.


Over the last few days it has become apparent that this is not an isolated case. During the summer of 2007, Ness Coastguard station manager Murdo Morrison was also dismissed form his post, after 23 years of service, again after a disagreement with his Area operations manager at the time. 7 of Murdo's staff resigned in his support. During the same week, Willy Macrae, station officer at Stornoway, a volunteer of 10 years was also dismissed in relation to the Ness case.


I would also like to highlight the case of Peter Waugh from East Cleveland suspended on health and safety grounds after a daring clifftop rescue for which he received other bravery awards. He had been a volunteer for 13 years.


So in just under 3 years, Northern Scotland has lost 18 very dedicated and experienced coastguards. These cases raise questions about management and culture within the Coastguard and whether this is in the best interest of public safety. It would seem that you have very few rights as a volunteer - you are simply told to "Shut up and Go"

You really just cant believe that we have this ridiculous situation in our Country today, I would like to put the idiots who sacked this and many other brave men on a leaking raft and push them out to see, in extremely bad weather. If like me you would like to support Norman Macleod  please sign the petition HERE Maybe we should go back to the days featured in the above film?