FAQ
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. Our online shop is now open.
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.
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.
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 contact@stabbslifeboat.org.uk and we can offer advice, promote your event and arrange for collection of the donation and associated publicity.
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.
If you want more information about our history, the way we operate, our events or our organisation in general, contact us via contact@stabbslifeboat.org.uk and we’ll give you a call and put you in touch with the right person.