Robert Greig, Coxswain of the Lifeboat 'The Good Shepherd'

By Rosemary Anderson

Robert Greig

Today guests can enjoy staying at the historical home of Robert Greig who was a fisherman by trade and lived in the late 1800’s at what is now known as 40 Alfred Street, Stromness. Robert Greig was appointed to the position of Coxswain on the lifeboat 'The Good Shepherd', which in 1891 replaced Orkney’s first Lifeboat - the 'Saltire'.

'The Good Shepherd' was a 42 ft; self-righting open vessel powered by sail and oar and required a crew of 15 men to operate it. On the morning of 11th December 1907, the Stromness lifeboat 'The Good Shepherd' was launched to aid the stricken steam-trawler 'Shakespeare' which had run aground in very heavy seas off Breckness.

Under perilous conditions, Coxswain Robert Greig together with his courageous crew, managed to manoeuvre 'The Good Shepherd' into the lee of the wreck until he was only twelve yards away and was able to throw the grapnel on board, which took hold in the fore rigging. Two men were soon conveyed on board the lifeboat. Next, Coxswain Greig and his crew turned their attention to a man on the funnel which proved a more difficult task. After several failed attempts a line was eventually thrown to the man and he was hauled about 'The Good Shepherd'. The local Life Saving Brigade rescued a further three men who were on the mizzen mast.

For his expertise and bravery in “The Shakespeare” rescue, Coxswain Robert Greig was awarded the Silver Medal of the Institute on the 23rd January 1908 - a decoration reserved for extreme gallantry. Each member of the crew of the life boat 'The Good Shepherd also received the sum of 1 pound. Robert Greig was invited in 1929 to Usher Hall in Edinburgh for the Scottish National Lifeboat Assembly for a meeting with the Prince of Wales.

The harbour at Stromness

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