RNLI Dunbar Lifeboats

17/10/2026

There’s still time to get tickets for our Christmas Party night - a fantastic evening of music, dancing, fun and games.
Ticket includes a glass of fizz on arrival and nibbless.
Click on the link below for details on how to get tickets ...

Ding D**g! Mer-welly on high!

It might still be summer but it's never too early to start thinking about Christmas ... especially if it means a fantastic night of fun, live music from Jamie Chapman and a disco.

Come and join us for the ...

DUNBAR RNLI CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHT
The Royal British Legion
Saturday 28th November
7pm until late.

Tickets are £15 (which includes nibbles)
To book tickets please follow this link

https://tr.ee/Qppr0yJUp7

Please note:
On the email please specify how many tickets you would like to purchase.
Tickets to be paid for on collection
Collection details to be confirmed soon
Over 18s only.

(Yellow wellies optional)

13/10/2026

Dunbar RNLI is to receive a new modern Coastal Lifeboat to replace the current all-weather Trent class vessel due to retire in 2028.

The new lifeboat – the latest and most technologically advanced edition to the RNLI fleet – comes as part of a wide-ranging strategy to ensure the charity has the most appropriate lifeboats in the right places to save the greatest number of lives in the most effective way while keeping volunteer crews safe.

The modern 11-metre, self-righting coastal vessel will be equipped with the latest marine technology and is designed to operate most effectively within ten nautical miles of the coast, while remaining capable of operating 25 nautical miles offshore. She will also be faster than the current Trent class, leading to improved response times, and will complement the station’s existing D class inshore lifeboat David Lauder, which will remain at the station.

Its arrival will mean Dunbar will say farewell to the all-weather lifeboat John Neville Taylor, the second of two Trent class vessels that have served the community with such distinction for over 30 years. After Dunbar welcomed Sir Ronald Pechell, Bt in 1995, it launched 206 times and rescued 171 people over 13 years before it was tragically damaged beyond repair in a storm in 2008. Her successor has been on service for 18 years and most notably came to the rescue of a Swedish couple from their yacht Ouhm in ten-metre waves in May 2009, an operation which earned coxswain Gary Fairbairn an RNLI bronze medal for gallantry and the volunteer crew certificates of service.

Dunbar RNLI coxswain Gary said: ‘The announcement that we are to receive the new Coastal Lifeboat signals an exciting chapter for Dunbar. A new modern lifeboat will ensure we are best equipped for the challenges ahead alongside our existing D class inshore lifeboat. Having a faster boat means we will be able to respond to emergencies far quicker and she will be benefit from the latest technology.

‘Although we will be sad to see our beloved Trent class lifeboat John Neville Taylor’go, we're looking forward to the next step in our station's future.’

The announcement is part of the RNLI's 2040 Lifeboat Fleet Strategy that has considered rescue and operational data as well as specialist insight to decide plans for our fleet's future.

The image below represents a graphical render of the new Lifeboat.

For more information please follow the links in the comments...

08/10/2026

Dunbar Lifeboat crew has been deeply saddened to learn of the death of Peter McColl, former RNLI Coastal Training Lead, who died on Saturday 26 September, aged 62.

As an assessor, Peter was a familiar face at the harbour, helping volunteers progress with their training and was a friend to the station for many years.

Before joining the RNLI training team, Peter was station mechanic at Berwick Lifeboat. Since his retirement he kept in touch with Dunbar Lifeboat Station and our crew had the pleasure and honour of escorting Peter for his last lifeboat journey in June 2025. Setting off from Torness aboard the all-weather Trent class lifeboat, our crew took Peter first to Berwick and then up to Eyemouth for a special presentation. Our photos are from that poignant and special day.

Our thoughts are with Peter’s family and the many friends and colleagues he leaves behind at Berwick RNLI.

Peter's funeral service will be held at Houndwood Crematorium on Monday 12 October at 12pm.

(Photos: Alistair Punton)

04/10/2026

Dunbar lifeboat volunteer Gordon Kirkham has represented both the station and the RNLI at this year’s International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) crew exchange.

Gordon was one of six RNLI volunteers taking part in the exchange, from 19 to 26 September, that involved 64 SAR (search and rescue) crew members from 13 countries at events held in ten host countries. He travelled to Saint-Nazaire in France for the week long programme last month that brought SAR professionals together from across Europe for practical training, operational visits and the opportunity to experience first-hand how other organisations prepare for and respond to emergencies at sea.

Gordon, 46, who has passed out as a coxswain, helm and mechanic during his 22 years as a Dunbar volunteer, was joined by crew members from Iceland, Poland, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, as well as the host country’s rescue service Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer (SNSM).

In an action packed week, Gordon witnessed first-hand French lifeguard training techniques, riding a jet-ski to rescue casualties, undertook a three-day afloat exercise navigating to a small island where they stayed in an old Napoleonic fort and conducted an exercise with the French military medical helicopter.

Gordon, a technical training instructor for EDF at Torness Power Station, said: ‘It was an excellent opportunity to learn about things are done in other countries.

‘I’ve formed lifelong friendships with the people I met. It didn’t matter what country we were from we all shared the same passion and interest in maritime rescue.’

For more information please follow the link in the comments ...







📷 Gordon Kirkham

01/10/2026

Everyone connected with Dunbar RNLI has been deeply saddened by the passing of long standing supporter of the lifeboat station Gordon Easingwood, who sadly died last month, aged 78.

Gordon had multiple close connections to Dunbar Lifeboat through his work as a prominent local historian, his career as a fisherman operating from the harbour and through long standing family links.

As a local fisherman, Gordon worked parallel to the station for decades and, as chairman of Dunbar History Society, heavily supported the lifeboats’ presence in the community and the station’s heritage.

In 2023, he personally stepped in to organise the repair of the original Dunbar RNLI Lifeboat Queen crown, which had been used in the first-ever crowning ceremony in 1963 before sustaining minor damage and being replaced in 2006. Under his care, the crown was restored and displayed at the Dunbar Harbour museum. He also preserved the original oars from the Dunbar lifeboat 'Sarah Kay', operational from 1907-1943, which have been used for ceremonial purposes since.

A popular and prominent figure in the harbour, he first worked on his dad Bob’s boat and then operated the creeler 'Fisher Lassie' from 1985 to 2022. While running tours to the Bass Rock, he counted among his passengers the naturalists Sir David Attenborough and Chris Packham. And, in 2009, Gordon, representing the history society, met the King for a guided tour of the High Street, as the then Prince of Wales visited the statue of naturalist John Muir outside the town museum. In 2015, he was co-recipient of the Dunbar Community Council Award alongside Pauline Smeed for his significant contributions to the town.

Gordon died peacefully at home on 17 September surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Lorraine, loving dad to Mark, Pam and the late David, dear father-in-law to Mike and Tina and treasured grandad to Callum, Jodie, Molly and Ingrid, Gordon will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

A funeral service, to which all family and friends are invited, will be held on Monday 12 October at Belhaven Parish Church at 12pm followed by interment at Deer Park Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired, to Dunbar Lifeboat Crew and Dunbar History Society.

Our thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends.

27/09/2026

A groundbreaking event that brought together 42 women from 24 lifeboat stations across Scotland for two days of afloat exercises, skills workshops, and shared learning has been hailed a huge success.

RNLI stations at Eyemouth and Dunbar together with St Abbs independent lifeboat hosted the second Women in SAR (search and rescue) event of its kind in Scotland last weekend (19 and 20 September).

Jill Hepburn, Head of Region for RNLI Scotland, said: ‘The RNLI’s Women in SAR Scotland weekend has been a fantastic opportunity for women across the country to come together, share knowledge, build connections and grow stronger as a lifesaving community.

‘The success of the weekend has been down to the amazing effort of the RNLI teams in Dunbar and Eyemouth and St Abbs independent lifeboat, championed by Dunbar Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) Ian Wilson. From the immediate feedback, all the crew involved in making this happen both attendees and support crews really felt the benefit of coming together to learn and share and we have seen real allyship and advocacy in supporting women to succeed in operational roles.

‘A huge thank you to our guest speakers who shared experiences on supporting women’s health, building confidence and resilience and understanding how human factors supports our decision making and capability. We’re working hard to create a more diverse RNLI and a crucial part of that is encouraging women into search and rescue roles. We’re incredibly proud of all our volunteers, lifeguards and staff who continue to support our mission to save lives at sea.’

The trailblazing initiative was the second of its kind in Scotland, after an inaugural event in Inverness last year. Launched in 2019 by the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), Women in SAR (WISAR) is a global movement open to all lifeboat stations, including the RNLI and independent operations.

Volunteers from across the country were unanimous in their praise for the event. Laura Wilson, 44, a marketing manager who has volunteered with Kippford RNLI since 2019, said: ‘The WiSAR event was a huge success. I found the programme to be varied, interesting and useful for my role as a female in a volunteer operational role with the RNLI. The opportunity to mix with people from around the country, work on different types of boats and hear a range of viewpoints from the speakers will bring long term value to my ongoing development. I hope that we can all take what we learned back to our different corners of Scotland and continue to develop more inclusive and diverse lifeboat crews.’

Sarah Sim, 30, a volunteer navigator and trainee helm with Queensferry RNLI for over six years said: 'It was fantastic to meet so many women in SAR across operational roles and levels, and I came away feeling proud to be a part of such a strong community of women. It was inspiring to hear of others' experiences and being able to share knowledge in such a supportive and energising environment. Meeting women in a command role was very empowering, and I came away excited to continue in my training plan toward the helm role.’

Susan Barry, 60, a retired nurse, who volunteers with St Abbs lifeboat, said: ‘It was a fabulous weekend, truly empowering and inspiring to be part of this Women in SAR event. It was great to meet, work alongside and share experiences with other women who volunteer on lifeboats all over Scotland. It reminded me of how proud and privileged I am to be part of St Abbs Independent Lifeboat and also the wider lifesaving community.

Fellow St Abbs volunteer Julie McBirnie, 62, a retired orthopaedic surgeon, added: ‘It was a huge privilege and honour to be part of this fantastic weekend. All of the wonderful ladies – and men – who were involved were totally inspiring and I really hope to meet up with many of them again in the future. I feel especially honoured that our Independent Lifeboat was included in this event and I hope this means that we can work together more often in the future. Thank you to everyone, this was a truly life-changing experience.’

Daniella Barnes, 37, of Broughty Ferry RNLI, said: ‘As a fairly new crew member, I just wanted to say thank you for being so welcoming, inspiring and for showing me what’s possible. I’m feeling very lucky to be part of it all.’

Dunbar LOM Ian Wilson said: ‘On behalf of the host stations, it has been great to receive so many positive comments from participants. All female lifeboat crew in Scotland were invited but our numbers were limited due to the capacity of the four lifeboats available. The event was heavily oversubscribed and it was difficult to choose who got places but in the end a fair system brought it down to the 42.

‘Supporting the delegates were many others, including inspirational speakers, activity leaders, the organising team who had been working on this since February, and lifeboat crews from the three host stations. Everyone gave their time freely to make this happen, with presenters waiving substantial speaking fees to support the cause of women lifesavers. We also had the practical support of a number of local businesses who donated goods or offered discounts which allowed us to deliver this event.’

St Abbs Lifeboat
RNLI Eyemouth Lifeboat

23/09/2026

Women in SAR Scotland 2026:
42 female volunteers
24 lifeboat stations represented
3 host stations
2 days of non-stop activities
1 fantastic weekend!

RNLI
St Abbs Lifeboat
RNLI Eyemouth Lifeboat

20/09/2026

Women in SAR comes to Dunbar, Eyemouth and St Abbs

Dunbar, Eyemouth and St Abbs lifeboat stations this weekend played host to a groundbreaking Scottish Women in SAR (search and rescue) event.

Over 40 women from 24 lifeboat stations have come together for a full weekend of afloat and shore-based exercises, skills workshops and shared learning to connect, inspire and support women involved in maritime rescue. Host stations RNLI Dunbar and RNLI Eyemouth Lifeboat and independent St Abbs Lifeboat welcomed 42 delegates from around Scotland for exercises on four lifeboats, while inspirational speakers and activity leaders provided workshops onshore.

The initiative is the second of its kind in Scotland, after an inaugural event in Inverness last year. Launched in 2019 by the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), Women in SAR (WISAR) is a global movement open to all lifeboat stations, including the RNLI and independent operations.

(Photo: Richard Ellis/A View From My Camera)

18/09/2026

📟 Shout! 📟

Dunbar RNLI’s lifeboat volunteers assist stricken trawler in all-night callout

Dunbar’s lifeboat volunteers came to the aid of a 54ft (16.5m) fishing trawler stranded eight miles north east of the town without propulsion last night (Thursday 17 September).

After being paged by HM Coastguard at 9pm, the all-weather lifeboat 'John Neville Taylor' launched from Dunbar Harbour and was on scene just before 10pm. The five-person crew of the Pittenweem-registered vessel had issued a pan-pan call for urgent assistance.

Once Dunbar deputy coxswain Gordon Mackay assessed all available options, and given the trawler’s size and draught and the rough sea state, it was decided to tow the vessel to Eyemouth Harbour. On arrival at the harbour, the Dunbar crew was met by RNLI Eyemouth Lifeboat ‘Helen Hastings’. Eyemouth Coastguard team was also in attendance. After both lifeboats combined to berth the trawler, the Dunbar volunteers departed Eyemouth at 4.30am and had refuelled and returned to the harbour by 6am, nine hours after the alarm was raised.

If you get into trouble on the water call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

Crew: Gordon Mackay, Alan Blair, Alistair Punton, Chris Woods, Ed Scaman, Douglas Wight
LAs: Denholm Horsburgh, Fiona Kibby, Ian Wilson, David Anderson, David Koch

📸 Ed Scaman

17/09/2026

He doesn’t just help save lives at sea!

Congratulations to our lifeboat crew member Alistair Punton who was among those honoured last week at the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) blood donor awards at Edinburgh City Chambers.

Alistair received a special quaich and pin badge to mark the 100 times he has given blood since his first donation as a teenager nearly 50 years ago.

Alistair said: ‘Giving blood is the same as what we do on the lifeboat. Just as we think when we go to sea, I don’t care whose life my blood helps, as long as it helps make a difference.’

The event thanked whole blood donors who reached major milestones such as 50, 75, and 100 donations, as well as apheresis donors (who give part of their blood) who’d donated between 75 and 350 times, with one donor reaching a remarkable 600 donations.

Alistair is pictured receiving his commemorative awards from Lord Provost of Edinburgh Councillor Robert Aldridge, with the other donors honoured last week and in action for Dunbar RNLI.

Scotland needs new blood donors. To register please follow the link in the comments ...

Donor awards photos: Steve Brown.