East Sutherland Rescue Association seeks Dornoch Common Good funding to get new boatshed over finish line
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Dornoch Area Community Council is backing an application from East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) to the town’s Common Good Fund.
ESRA is seeking around £9,500 towards filling a £45,000 shortfall in funding for its £550,000 new lifeboat shed, which is under construction next to its former shed at Dornoch beach.
The group said in November last year that the rising costs of materials had had an impact on the project.
However, it is understood that an unnamed benefactor has pledged an extra £35,000, which along with a Common Good fund contribution, would get the new build past the finish line.
At last Wednesday’s community council meeting, ESRA representative Antony Hope confirmed the £35,000 pledge when asked about it.
Chairman Patrick Murray responded: “Provided the fund trustees are happy that another £35,000 will be coming, and this is enough to complete the building, then I propose that we go along with this.”
Community councillor Genevieve Duhigg said: “I am very supportive of the recommendation as you have outlined, Paddy.
“Thank you very much ESRA for what you do and all the improvements you are going to make and for the lives you will save, as you have done in the last few years.”
Treasurer Jerry Bishop reminded the meeting: “This money is not ours to give. Our decision is not final. We are asked to give an opinion if we would support it.”
David MacBeath queried what was going to happen to the old boatshed when its replacement was operational.
Mr Hope replied: “We have put £35,000 into the old building in the last 15 years and we have taken out a 99-year lease on the area.
“Our preliminary plan is to demolish the old building to allow for further car parking for the lifeboat crew.”
Meanwhile ESRA, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, is continuing to make plans for the launch of its new lifeboat later this year.
The vessel and ancillary equipment is being funded by Wildland Ltd, the company owned by Danish tycoon and Sutherland land owner Anders Holch Povlsen.
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