PICTURES: New lifeboat funded by Anders Holch Povlsen arrives in Dornoch

East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) has taken delivery of its new £140,000 lifeboat, Wildland.

The new vessel arrived at ESRA's Dornoch base last Tuesday, to the delight of members of the service, all of whom are volunteers.

ESRA spokesman Antony Hope said: "We will commence training as soon as possible with a naming ceremony to take place on Easter Saturday –April 8."

The boat has been named after the company which donated funds for its purchase – Wildland Ltd is owned by Danish tycoon and north Sutherland landowner Anders Holch Povlsen. The £250,000 funding also enabled the purchase of a bespoke trailer and a launch and recovery vehicle.

Wildland, which has been undergoing trials in Devon, is 8.5m long, has twin 150hp engines, self righting bag, four seats for crew and ample space for others.

Mr Hope said: "The new boat will allow us to extend the area we cover. We will be keeping our existing boat, Glen Cassley, for shallower sea work and inland call-outs."

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