Last stone heralds new start for Kirkcudbright RNLI
A milestone moment for Kirkcudbright RNLI took place in early March 2026.
As the new Boathouse Extension nears completion and the local fundraising appeal draws to a close at the end of April 2026, Kirkcudbright RNLI is set to begin a new chapter in the history of saving lives at sea in local waters. A history stretching back to 1862.
As requested by one of the generous donors of the RNLI Kirkcudbright Boathouse Extension, John Collins Mechanic and Lifeboat Operations Manager for Kirkcudbright was delighted to lay the last stone, on her behalf.
The local appeal has exceeded all expectations. Kirkcudbright RNLI fundraising group aimed to raise £50k towards the £1.6 million cost of the whole project which was reached long ago.
At present the local appeal stands at a tantalising £148k a couple of thousand short of tripling the original request, but there is still time!
This has continued the tradition of the RNLI being funded by voluntary contributions. Every penny raised by the totally fantastic local appeal, added to the many very generous donors contributing to the main appeal, has saved the RNLI from having to use capital reserves. This is a huge achievement especially in today’s difficult economic climate.
The RNLI in Kirkcudbright has come a long way from building a boathouse at Creekhead in 1862 for the sum of £144 to this fantastic new “state of the art” facility at Torrs point.
Many things, however, do not change; the dedication of the crew both at sea and on shore, the support of hundreds of people both locally and nationally to this outstanding achievement all bodes well for the future of Kirkcudbright Lifeboat.
It is anticipated that the building work will be completed in late spring/early summer and the official opening of the building together with the launch of a new boat will happen in early autumn.
Donations can still be made towards this appeal https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/give-to-a-special-appeal/kirkcudbright-appeal
RNLI media contacts
Christine Collins, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Kirkcudbright RNLI [email protected]
Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.