East Sutherland Rescue Association receives huge boost — Wildland

An example of a RIB inflatable sea vessel.

East Sutherland Rescue Association receives huge boost thanks to Wildland donation

Independent, volunteer-led lifeboat charity East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) will boost its capacity to respond quickly and safely to inshore emergencies with the deployment of a new, state of the art 8-metre rescue boat this summer.

The fully licensed 40-knot rigid inflatable vessel is being commissioned, together with bespoke-designed trailer and ‘Softrak’ launch and recovery vehicle, to enable ESRA to operate in all weathers as a fast response unit on larger stretches of the Sutherland coast.

The entire cost of purchasing, fitting out and licensing the vehicles for use in coastal rescue, totalling 245,000 GBP, will be met thanks to the generosity of Highland-based land conservation and tourism business, Wildland Limited.

Hugh Fullerton-Smith, trustee and crew member of East Sutherland Rescue Association said:

“It has been critically apparent for some time that the challenges ESRA faces in keeping our Sutherland waters safe for tourists, fishermen and sailors are growing. In particular, since the onset of Covid-19, there has been a massive groundswell of visitors to our county for recreation and watersports.
“That meant an urgent upgrade to our existing boat, Glen Cassley, which does a great job, but which we are rapidly outgrowing. We need greater capacity to ensure we can continue to respond safely to a range of emergencies that the bigger lifeboats, such as the Wick Station, can’t easily service due to shallow water depths close to rocky shores.
“In truth though, for a voluntary rescue association, the cost of a suitably equipped vessel, as well as the upgraded track machine to launch and recover the rescue boat safely in all conditions, was daunting. The amazing generosity of Wildland Limited, who have paid these costs in full, has left us speechless. It’s obvious that they care about us – those who live in the area as well as those who may be attracted to coming here.”

The new boat will provide a higher operating speed of up to 40 knots, proper seating, advanced radio and satellite communications plus room for casualties.

Tim Kirkwood, Chief Executive of Wildland Limited, which manages a number of estates focussed on tourism and conservation on the north coast of Sutherland said:

“ESRA is operated entirely by brave, dedicated volunteers who put their lives on the line for tourists, fishermen, sailors and other marine users every year. Its inshore rescue boat provides a vital community service that’s becoming increasingly important as visitor numbers increase on Sutherland’s beautiful coastline.
“The service the Association provides is essential and well worth protecting and nurturing. We were delighted to be approached to play a small part by funding the purchase of a new craft, trailer and tracked vehicle.
“ESRA’s people, who go out selflessly even in the most horrendous sea conditions, deserve access to the best possible equipment, both for their own safety and to give them more opportunities to save other marine users who get into difficulties on our coastal waters.”

The build is in hand and ESRA expects to take delivery of the new vessel and Softrak vehicle in summer 2021. It will continue to operate Glen Cassley as normal until full testing and training has been undertaken with its replacement.

Thanks again to the extraordinary generosity of another donor, the new rescue boat, two training boats, launch and recovery vehicles and associated equipment will be maintained and operated from a new Lifeboat Station at Dornoch, which is being purpose-built this spring.

An example of a bespoke-designed trailer and ‘Softrak’ launch and recovery vehicle.

Notes

East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) is an independent charity which funds and operates an inshore lifeboat in the Dornoch Firth area. The lifeboat is crewed by volunteers.

Formed in 1981 by a group of concerned local people to provide assistance to the police in the event of water-based emergencies, ESRA now serves the east coast of Sutherland and Easter Ross bordering the Dornoch Firth and in support of other organisations, is building its capacity to support search and rescue operations further afield.

Wildland Limited is a land conservation and tourism business established in 2007. It owns 221,000 acres, spanning three management areas: Wildland Cairngorm, Wildland North Coast (Sutherland) and Wildland Lochaber West Highlands, encompassing some of Highland Scotland’s most rugged and beautiful landscapes.

Wholly owned by Anders Holch Povlsen, Wildland Limited has 200 year vision for restoring and protecting the natural capital of the estates in its care by developing a world class portfolio of quality, design-led tourism experiences that support diverse economic opportunities for rural communities and allow guests to enjoy the best of Scotland’s hospitality, natural heritage and landscape.