On Tuesday 4 June, volunteer crew and fundraisers at Kirkcudbright RNLI launched their exciting new station appeal which looks to raise £50,000* towards a new, modernised lifeboat station.
Lifeboat volunteers in Kirkcudbright have been saving lives at sea for over 160 years, thanks to the support of the local community, but since the RNLI station was established in 1892 at Torr Shore, crew have been launching from a 19th century boathouse.
The tiny Victorian boathouse was built over 130 years ago, and has seen volunteer crews experience triumph, including launching 10 times during World War II, saving 12 lives.
But the station has also seen great tragedy and loss. In 1864, the crew saw the loss of local man, Peter McGinn, and the crew of the schooner Havelock of Beston, which was wrecked on 30 November 1864.
Now, in the charity’s 200th year, the RNLI is launching a new station fundraising appeal to bring the boathouse up to modern-day standards and ensure lifesaving can continue in Kirkcudbright for years to come.
The local community appeal has a fundraising target of £50,000 which will contribute towards the estimated £1.2 million required for the new station.
John Collins, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Kirkcudbright RNLI, says: ‘Here in Kirkcudbright, we’re a harbour town, a fishing town. The lifeboat is very important to the local community. We’re hidden away but we’re here to answer the call whenever we’re needed.
‘The extended station building will give volunteer crew the facilities they deserve. There will be separate changing facilities and WCs for men and women, a place they can warm up and a dedicated workshop where we can maintain the lifeboat. In addition, a new parking and turning area will help provide quicker and safer access for all.
‘With these modest improvements, our volunteers will get the facilities they deserve, and we also hope to welcome station visitors in the future too. We want to tell people we’re here and give them a chance to see the lifeboat and find out about the vital work their support helps us do.’
The local RNLI lifeboat station is calling on the public to be a lifesaver by supporting the new station appeal, with the station aiming to raise £50,000 towards the exciting new plans.
One of Kirkcudbright RNLI’s newest volunteers, Jack Finlay, ran the Kirkcudbright Half Marathon on Saturday 25 May and has raised more than £2,500 for the appeal so far.
What’s more, Kirkcudbright RNLI will be supported by the Kirkcudbright Arts and Crafts Trail 2024 which will be themed on the charity’s 200th year.
By supporting the new station appeal, you can help speed up launch times, improve crew welfare and enable the RNLI in Kirkcudbright to continue saving lives for years to come.
To support the new station appeal, visit: https://justgiving.com/campaign/rnlikirkcudbrightappeal
