widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

News / Aith lifeboat’s appeal for help

Aith lifeboat operations manager Jim Nicolson - Photo: RNLI

A LIFEBOAT station in Shetland is appealing to local businesses to help raise £40,000 to convert parts of its base into much needed crew accommodation.

The RNLI in Aith have been spending up to £5,000 every year on housing relief coxswains and mechanics during holidays or other absence.

With local B&Bs fully occupied by contractors working in the oil and gas industry, lifeboat managers are finding it increasingly difficult to source nearby accommodation for relief crews.

The lifeboat station at Shetland’s remote Westside provides a round-the-clock search and rescue service, 365 days a year.

Last year the Severn class lifeboat Charles Lidbury attended 10 emergencies and rescued nine people.

The RNLI has now come up with the idea to convert parts of the existing station at Aith into accommodation space.

Aith lifeboat operation manager Jim Nicolson said the move would save the charity money but would also improve response times.

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

“Our solution is to convert part of the lifeboat station – the RNLI shop – into crew accommodation.

“Its location means that when in residence the relief coxswain and mechanic will be able to respond immediately in an emergency.

“This is a great opportunity to make much better use of it without affecting the running of the lifeboat station,” he said.

Any business interested to help the lifeboat station in Aith should get in touch with Nicolson on 01595 810 343 for more information.

Aith lifeboat station’s courageous crew have been keeping the waters safe off Shetland’s west coast for over 80 years.

 

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/pd_widget-8widget/pd_widget-9

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.