Independent St Abbs lifeboat station appeal launched

The campaign to save St Abbs lifeboat station attracted wide-spread support

An appeal has been launched to raise £500,000 to fund an independent lifeboat station at St Abbs.

The RNLI closed its station in the village last month, ending a 104-year association with the Borders community.

A high-profile campaign against the decision attracted widespread support, including a 13,000 signature petition.

Former members of the lifeboat crew have agreed to set up a charitable trust to take over, and operate, the existing lifeboat station.

'Not a luxury'

The campaign is being co-ordinated by Alistair Crowe, former lifeboat operations manager, and Euan Gibson, who co-ordinated the campaign to save the lifeboat station.

Mr Crowe said: "A lifeboat at St Abbs is not a luxury, it is an essential public safety requirement given the growth in leisure activities and the natural geography of the coastline.

"For anyone in trouble at sea, it is not about the flag on the boat, it is all about the skill and knowledge of the crew."

The campaign to take over the existing lifeboat station is backed by many volunteers

Mr Gibson said the team of volunteers hoped to raise £250,000 for a boat, and related crew and medical equipment.

An additional £250,000 should be raised for "liquid funds".

"The appeal will also remain open for ad hoc and regular subscription in keeping with charitable practice for lifeboats in the UK," he said.

Mr Gibson added: "We have been quite taken aback and humbled by the widespread support we received during the campaign."

The RNLI closed the station after a review found that the area could be covered by the nearby Eyemouth lifeboat.