FAQ

What do you mean by “independent”?

The St Abbs Lifeboat used to be part of the RNLI’s network of 238 lifeboat stations. Now it is owned and operated independently of this network with its own Board of Trustees and committees made up of local people who are passionate about retaining the lifeboat in St Abbs.

Why did you become independent?

The RNLI decided, for operational reasons, to close the RNLI station in St Abbs in 2015. The local population campaigned to raise funds for their own boat from that point forward. There are advantages to being independent – we are very much in control of our own destiny!

Are there other independent lifeboats?

St Abbs Independent Lifeboat is one of 50 independent rescue services that operate around the UK. We are a founding member of the newly formed National Independent Lifeboat Association (NILA) which represents independent lifeboats at a national level.

How is the Lifeboat funded?

The lifeboat is funded purely from public donations. We do not receive any funds from government sources. Our funds come from fundraising events, collections boxes, estates and funeral collections, donations and internet giving and sales of merchandise.

Does my donation go directly towards the Lifeboat?

All money raised for St Abbs Lifeboat goes directly towards the costs of running the lifeboat, maintaining the lifeboat station, training the crew and ensuring regulatory compliance. All of the crew, fundraisers and administrative people who work for the Lifeboat do so in a voluntary capacity so there are no salary costs. 

How do I make a donation to the Lifeboat?

There are many ways and you can find out more here. Whichever way you chose, please do consider Gift Aid as part of your donation and complete the Gift Aid form.

When is your lifeboat shop open?

Sales of our merchandise plays a big part in our fundraising every year. The shop is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 3pm from Easter through to the end of October. In November, we are open 12-3 on Saturdays and Sundays. Follow us on Facebook for any special Christmas opening announcements. 

Do you do on-line sales?

Yes. Our online shop is now open. 

Can I volunteer for the lifeboat?

The lifeboat is run as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) with a Board of Trustees, an Operational Committee and a Fundraising Committee. Volunteering opportunities exist in all areas including crew, shore crew and administration, training, finance, fundraising, events and media. Recruitment details are available for all roles on request.

I am not happy about a fundraising issue. What do I do?

If you have any concerns about how St Abbs Lifeboat as an organisation, or any of its volunteers, are carrying out fundraising on behalf of the charity, please contact us and follow this complaints procedure:

  • If you can, immediately identify a person representing the charity and make your complaint. Our volunteers will try to resolve the problem with immediate action if this is possible. If they are unable to solve the problem straightaway or you are not happy with the response, please contact us using the details available on our website and articulate your complaint in full, including details of the actions that you feel are unacceptable, the response of the volunteers, the date, time and location of the event and your preferred contact details.

 

  • The Trustees will consider your written complaint and will investigate thoroughly and fairly, protecting you as far as possible from discrimination or harassment and keeping your details confidential. They will respond in a way that is appropriate to the complaint, avoiding any unnecessary delays. They will:
    • Send an acknowledgment within 5 working days of receipt
    • Provide a full response within 20 working days of the acknowledgement being sent, or if this is not possible, advise you when they are likely to send a response.
    • Tell you what action St Abbs Lifeboat will take, why and when it will happen.

 

  • If you remain unhappy with the response after you have followed the above steps, you should contact the Scottish Fundraising Standards Panel. The panel will decide whether the complaint is one they can look at, whether the complaint is ready for them, whether there has been a breach in the Fundraising Code of Practice and if so, what action is required and will make its findings publicly.
Where and when can I see the Lifeboat?

The Lifeboat is out on training sessions on Friday evenings in the summer and Saturday mornings in the winter. The station has an open day every year in August as part of the Lifeboat gala. Other opening times are notified on Facebook.

I’d like to run an event for the lifeboat – how do I do this?

Lots of community groups and individuals run events (quizzes, coffee mornings, music events etc) in aid of the lifeboat and donate all or part of the proceeds. Please let us know at [email protected] and we can offer advice, promote your event and arrange for collection of the donation and associated publicity.

I am a business and would like to donate a proportion of sales of a certain product to the lifeboat.

The Lifeboat is grateful for donations resulting from this type of activity but unfortunately it cannot promote or endorse particular products. Publicity for your business can however be arranged for receipt of any donation. 

I’ve read your website…..How can I talk to someone in more detail about St Abbs Lifeboat?

If you want more information about our history, the way we operate, our events or our organisation in general, contact us via [email protected] and we’ll give you a call and put you in touch with the right person.