Dornoch Common Good Fund enables completion of lifeboat station

Members of the Sutherland County Committee have today approved a revised budget for the Dornoch Common Good Fund which includes a grant of £25,000 to the East Sutherland Rescue Association.

The grant will be used to construct a concrete apron at Dornoch Lifeboat Station and install a water tank for firefighting in the vicinity of Dornoch Beach car park.

Chair of Sutherland County Committee, Councillor Richard Gale, said: “I am delighted that we have agreed a revised budget which will help support the completion of Dornoch Lifeboat Station. The station is a vital part of our community, and the volunteer team is a true asset to Sutherland.”

East Sutherland Rescue Association opened the new lifeboat station in 2022 which is a dedicated facility ready to respond to emergency callouts from HM Coastguard. The station covers approx. 50 miles of coastline from Helmsdale harbour to Balintore plus inland waters in Sutherland and Ross-shire.

Cllr Gale: “The new lifeboat station is a fantastic facility, and I’m pleased that the Dornoch Common Good Fund can play a part in funding some of the remaining small jobs still to be completed. The work to construct a new concrete apron at the front and side of the lifeboat station will not only help to make lifeboat operations safer but will also facilitate safe and improved access to the beach for pedestrians.”

The £35,000 grants and contributions budget for the Dornoch Common Good Fund was agreed in February 2025 and will now be increased to £60,000 to facilitate the additional grant to Dornoch Firth Independent Lifeboat.