Generous Kirkcudbright community rallies to raise more than £60k towards lifeboat station upgrade

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The Kirkcudbright community has smashed a fundraising target to upgrade the town’s lifeboat station.

The RNLI tasked the volunteer crew with raising £50,000 to go towards upgrade work on the station at Torrs Point, which was built in 1892.

And a tremendous effort has seen more than £60,000 raised – with fundraising set to continue in to the New Year.

President of the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright RNLI Fundraising Group, May Brown, said: “The boathouse has hardly changed since it was established over 130 years ago.

“The new boathouse will bring our facilities into the 21st century and give the volunteer crew the facilities they deserve.

"We are absolutely delighted and overwhelmed with all the support for our appeal so far. We cannot thank our local community and supporters enough for their generosity in supporting us with this appeal.

“It means the world to all of us here at Kirkcudbright RNLI.

“The community have really got behind the appeal and supported us, which is brilliant to see.”

The fundraising campaign launched in June, with Kirkcudbright RNLI looking to raise £50,000 towards the total £1.2 million cost.

The incredible generosity of supports and the community has helped surpass that total, with work set to begin next year.

The extended station building will have separate changing facilities and toilets for men and women, a place where volunteers can warm up and a dedicated workshop to maintain the lifeboat.

Support for the fundraising campaign came from a variety of individuals and organisations, including Kirkcudbright Development Trust, Kirkcudbright Summer Festivities during the Arts and Crafts Trail, the lorry parade and the festival of light, and the Soundwave and youth choirs to name but a few.

And Kirkcudbright RNLI fundraising committee has raised thousands through numerous events, including talks, raffles, and coffee mornings. Volunteers have even taken on their own fundraising challenges, including running a half marathon and swimming 200 lengths of the local pool.

Head of region for the RNLI in Scotland, Jill Hepburn, said: “We have been amazed by the response to our new station appeal for Kirkcudbright RNLI.

“Every single penny raised will go towards the £1.2 million needed to provide the volunteers at Kirkcudbright RNLI, with a new boathouse and modern facilities. We would like to thank everyone for their generosity and support with this appeal so far.”

To support the campaign, click here.

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