RNLI launch Fundraising Appeal as Stonehaven set for new lifeboat station

Lifeboat volunteers at Stonehaven have been saving lives at sea for over 130 years, thanks to the support of the local community, but for the last 10 years, the crew have been launching to rescue from a makeshift lifeboat station.

Planning permission, submitted by the RNLI, shows exciting developments for the volunteers at Stonehaven, with a new state-of-the-art station being built on the harbour.

It’s a purpose-built building that was once used by the Maritime Rescue Institute and, more recently, the Survitec Group.

However, the building will need slight renovations, including roof repairs and minor internal alternations, like replacing the boat hall door. These updates will also give the RNLI the opportunity to introduce more energy-efficient materials such as for the rood, heating, fixtures and fittings.

Aside from all the updates required, the site already has everything Stonehaven lifesavers could wish for and more – a large integrated boat hall, space for training, an operations room, changing and shower facilities, a mechanic’s workshop, kitchen and breakout area.

Andy Martin is the Lifeboat Operations Manager and one of the helms at Stonehaven RNLI. Having volunteered with the Maritime Rescue Institute, Andy is one of a number of current lifeboat crew who know the building very well and will experience the impact of the improvements first-hand.

He says: ‘A new lifeboat station like this would change things completely. It will be hugely beneficial in so many ways. We’ll be able to conduct training sessions in a dedicated training area – and fit everyone in!

‘We’ll no longer have to compromise on space and storage for kit, spare parts and fundraising materials. When brining casualties back to the station, we’ll be able to offer them a more comfortable recovery space and showers to warm up in. And for casualties requiring more urgent medical care, we’ll have more space to care for them.’

The Stonehaven RNLI crew also hope to be able to invite visitors for an education experience, including showcasing the work they do and how to stay safe in and around water – an experience that could ultimately save their lives, and inspire the next generation of RNLI volunteers.

The new lifeboat station would also have a permanent shop for their fundraisers, who currently only have access to a pop-up RNLI shop in the town.

Andy adds: ‘Above all, being able to keep the lifeboat and its launching tractor and trailer in the same building will shave vital seconds off of launch times, which will ultimately help us reach everyone we can. A purpose-built lifeboat station is as good as it gets.’

The new station-build is estimated to cost around £900,000*, so Stonehaven RNLI has launched a fundraising campaign to help raise £50,000 to support the appeal. By pledging your support today, you can help raise the £900,000* needed to make the new Stonehaven Lifeboat Station a reality.

Hunting Energy Services, with office locations in Portlethen, Westhill, and Fordoun, have shown their support for the fundraising appeal of Stonehaven RNLI’s new station. They have generously contributed £5,000 to aid the campaign.

Over the course of 2023, Hunting's employees are actively involved in multiple fundraising initiatives to secure additional funds for the new station construction. Among these activities is the upcoming Aberdeen Kiltwalk, set to take place on June 4, 2023. Additionally, Hunting is lending their support to a local event that has also selected Stonehaven RNLI as one of its beneficiary charities.

Stewart Barrie, Hunting’s Managing Director, explains: "Hunting takes great pride in their support for the RNLI, a vital charity that operates across the UK and Ireland. This organisation holds significant importance not only on a national scale but also within local communities where numerous staff members live. It is truly an esteemed privilege for us to be associated with a charity entirely funded by donations and relies on devoted volunteers who generously sacrifice their time to safeguard lives along our coastlines."

To support Stonehaven’s new station appeal and to find out more, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/RNLIstonehavenappeal

Notes to editors

· Stonehaven RNLI Lifeboat Station has been operating since 2013, although the tradition of lifesaving goes back as far as 1854. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/stonehaven-lifeboat-station

· Photos of Stonehaven RNLI are available upon request

RNLI media contacts

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 142,700 lives.

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