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Kirkcudbright RNLI lifeboat called out at end of busy day

Lifeboats News Release

Kirkcudbright RNLI lifeboat was called out last night (Saturday 17 August) at around 10pm.

RNLI/Christine Collins

Kirkcudbright Lifeboat celebrates 200 year and forward

The Kirkcudbright RNLI lifeboat was called out to assist Police Scotland and HM Coastguard with a search after an unattended bag and phone were found at Brighouse Bay. The lifeboat were tasked with searching an area near the beach and the shoreline, but thankfully the boat was stood down when the owner was traced and the crew returned to station where the boat was prepared for the next service.

This was at the end of a successful day where Kirkcudbright RNLI lifeboat, supported by crew and fundraisers, led the local lorry parade with all the proceeds going to the local boathouse extension appeal.

In June, Kirkcudbright RNLI launched their exciting new station appeal which looks to raise £50,000 towards a new, modernised boathouse.

Volunteers 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.

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.’

This was the latest fundraising event in this appeal and the callout late in the night highlighted the need for the improved facilities at the boathouse.

To support the appeal go to https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/give-to-a-special-appeal/kirkcudbright-appeal

Ends

Notes to Editors

· Kirkcudbright lifeboat station has been operating since 1862. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to:https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/kirkcudbright-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

Christine Collins, Lifeboat Press Officer at Kirkcudbright RNLI, [email protected]

Jaye Mackay, RNLI Media Engagement – Placement for Scotland 07929 673286, [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.

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