Kirkcudbright RNLI begins work on boathouse after successful campaign

Building work has officially begun on the existing Victorian boathouse in Kirkcudbright after the charity launched its fundraising appeal to raise £50,000 towards the £1.2million required for the works last summer.

Since then, dedicated RNLI volunteers and fundraisers in Kirkcudbright have gone on to raise way above the initial fundraising target thanks to the support of the local community and they have no plans on slowing down.

The RNLI boathouse in Kirkcudbright was established in 1892 at Torrs Point, and since then, volunteer crew have been launching from a 19th century boathouse which lacks the lifesaving features required for the 21st century.

John Collins, Lifeboat Operations Manager, says: ‘The boathouse has hardly changed since it was established over 130 years ago. The new boathouse will bring our facilities into the 21st century and give our volunteer crew the facilities they deserve.’

The extended station building will have separate changing facilities and WCs for men and women, a place where volunteers can warm up and a dedicated workshop where the volunteer crew can maintain the lifeboat.

While the Kirkcudbright RNLI boathouse is being renovated, the lifeboat will be remain on service at Kirkcudbright Marina, with volunteer crew ready to answer the call 24/7, 365 days a year.

John continues: ‘We’d like to thank all our volunteers for all their help over the last month with moving the lifeboat and equipment ahead of works starting on the boathouse.