PICTURES: Anders Holch Povlsen compelled to fund new boat for East Sutherland Rescue Association after seeing 'awe-inspiring' photos of crew in action, gathering at naming ceremony told
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Business tycoon Anders Holch Povlsen was compelled to fund a new boat for East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) after seeing pictures of crew members in action, it was revealed at the boat’s naming ceremony yesterday.
The Danish entrepreneur was sent dramatic images of ESRA crew members in their small 4.8m rigid inflatable Glen Cassley, which they have had since 2014, battling high waves as they headed out to sea.
The bravery and heroism of the crew so inspired the businessman and his wife Anne that they provided £250,000 towards a new lifeboat, bespoke trailer and a launch and recovery vehicle.
The new vessel was delivered to ESRA in February. At 8.5m long it is nearly twice the size of Glen Cassley; has twin 150hp engines, self righting bag, four seats for crew and ample space for others.
Sunday’s ceremony took place at the recently opened Cadogan Lifeboat Station at Dornoch beach. The new £140,000 boat was named Wildland in a tribute to Mr Povlsen whose conservation and eco-tourism company is called Wildland Ltd.
The outdoor public event involved an address by ESRA chairman Neil Dalton, a prayer by Rev John Chambers and hymns as well as a blessing from Father Simon Scott with holy water sprinkled over the boat and crew members.
Lord Lieutenant Patrick Marriott took to the podium to make a plea for continuing support for ESRA. Deputy Lord Lieutenant Kim Tulloch carried out the naming ceremony, pouring a bottle of champagne over the boat.
Present at the ceremony was Wildland Ltd chief executive, Aviemore based Tim Kirkwood who said Mr and Mrs Povlsen would have liked to have been present but were unable to attend.
Mr Kirkwood described the couple as “wonderful people” and “very charismatic”, adding that Mr Povlsen was a talented public speaker.
He continued: “When Hugh (Hugh Fullerton-Smith of ESRA) first approached us for help to replace the existing lifeboat, he enclosed a couple of awe-inspiring photos.
“They showed the lifeboat heading out to sea with waves towering over it and the crew so brave in the face of adversity, heading out to help people in danger.
“It was an extraordinary image. This crew makes a huge difference to their community and the bravery they show is touching. Anders and Anne were quick to see this and to see this was a worthy cause to support.”
“ I hope you do good work in it (the new boat) and it keeps you safe. We are all immensely grateful for your bravery and effort.
“Thousands of visitors come to this area every year. It is a beautiful place but it is a dangerous coast. That is why we have been delighted to have played a part in funding the new vessel and associated equipment.
“We are honoured that you have chosen to name the boat Wildland.”
ESRA chairman Neil Dalton, who is also chairman of the National Independent Lifeboat Association (NILA), said: “This vessel marks another significant step in the history of East Sutherland Rescue Association which goes back to its formation in 1982.
“This will be the sixth boat commissioned into service since that year, and again is a step change in the service it enables ESRA to provide.
“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Mr Povlsen who is responsible for us being able to purchase this technologically advanced boat along with the new launch trailer and launch vehicle. Not only does this extend the boat’s capabilities but also significantly enhances the safety of the crew.”
Mr Dalton also paid tribute to the generosity of the late Lord Cadogan who contributed more than £400,000 to the lifeboat station, opened in August 2022.
He went on to address speculation in Dornoch as to why the boat was not yet in service.
“Due to the nature of launching a boat of this size over the beach and the complexity of the equipment carried, it requires full planning and knowledge prior to use,” he said. “This requires the writing of new protocols and training programmes.
“Nobody has been more impatient than crew members to get the boat on the water. Next month a team from the manufacturers, Ribcraft, based in Yeovil, will be arriving in Dornoch to carry out a crew training programme.”
Lord Lieutenant Patrick Marriott told the gathering that ESRA, a voluntary organisation which receives no core funding, was in need of continuing support to keep afloat.
He said that the funding gifted by Lord Cadogan and Anders Holch Povlsen had been “absolutely superb”.
“We owe a massive debt to the two men behind these donations, but it falls to us to honour both of them by keeping ESRA going,” he said. “My plea is that we all dig deep and look carefully at how best we can support ESRA.”
The Lord Lieutenant also asked local people to consider volunteering with ESRA.
Officially naming the boat, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Kim Tulloch said: “It gives me great pleasure to name this ship Wildland. May God bless her and all who sail in her.”
To donate to ESRA, click here.
