BUILDING work has officially begun to bring Kirkcudbright’s RNLI boathouse into the 21 century.
The funding appeal for the £1.2 million project launched last summer, with the crew setting themselves the goal of £50,000. Since then, RNLI Kirkcudbright’s dedicated volunteers and fundraisers have gone on to smash the initial fundraising target, raising £60,096.81 thanks to the support of the 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.
Lifeboat operations manager John Collins said: “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.”
It will have separate changing facilities and WCs for men and women, a place where volunteers can warm up and a dedicated workshop where the crew can maintain the lifeboat.
While the Kirkcudbright RNLI boathouse is being renovated, the lifeboat will remain on service at Kirkcudbright Marina, with volunteer crew ready to answer the call 24/7, 365 days a year.
John added: “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.
“We’d also like to say a massive thank you to all of our incredible supporters who have helped us raise an incredible amount towards the new station appeal. We are very grateful for all the support in helping us get the new boathouse our crew deserve.”
