Alex Dodge, Senior Coastal Operations Officer for the area, said they had decided to organise two events to ensure everyone could make it and that volunteers on both sets of islands were fully included in celebrating two centuries of their local communities supporting – and working or volunteering for – the Coastguard.
Coastguard staff and volunteers alike were also presented with a special Jubilee medal.
In Orkney, a scrumptious cake was baked by the daughter of one of the Coastguard Rescue Officers as the teams came together at one of the bases to enjoy some food, each other's company and share stories past and present of some of the more memorable moments. They were joined by Alex and Coastguard Chaplain Tom Ebbens.
In Shetland, the teams were invited to enjoy their celebrations on board a well-known local ferry, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being passengers. Alex said it was 'wonderful' to see Coastguards from across the years come together in a celebration of a rescue service that is only possible because of the volunteers in it. Alex and Tom again attended, joined by fellow Senior Coastal Operations Officer Donna-Claire Hunter.
"It was really wonderful," Alex said. "Everyone enjoyed themselves - and by doing an event in both Orkney and Shetland, everyone could make it.
"We're very proud of our service and we're delighted we were able to enjoy the day."
