A decade ago, the coastal village of St Abbs celebrated the return of its independent lifeboat service, an event made possible by a substantial donation from teacake magnate Sir Boyd Tunnock. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) had closed the St Abbs station in 2015, ending a 104-year association and citing a nearby station in Eyemouth as sufficient. The community's efforts to fund their own lifeboat were significantly boosted by Tunnock's contribution.
The village's connection to lifeboats began in the early 20th century after a tragic shipwreck. In October 1907, the cargo vessel Alfred Erlandsen sank near St Abbs, leading to the loss of 17 lives. Witnessing the disaster, local philanthropist Jane Hay advocated for a local lifeboat. The RNLI established a station in August 1911, christening its first vessel the Helen Smitton. For over a century, the St Abbs lifeboat served the community, rescuing hundreds.
Community Rallies After RNLI Closure
The RNLI's decision to close the station in 2015, despite local outcry and a petition with thousands of signatures, prompted immediate action from the community. They launched an appeal to raise the £500,000 needed to fund an independent lifeboat. Sir Boyd Tunnock responded with a donation of £250,000, which he described as the equivalent of "a lot of caramel wafers."
Barely a year after the RNLI station closed, the new Thomas Tunnock lifeboat, named in honor of Tunnock's relatives, was launched. Barry Shaw, the current operations manager, noted that Tunnock's donation allowed the service to resume much faster than anticipated. He emphasized the enduring importance of the lifeboat to the village, stating that it remains operational and continues to answer calls from the coastguard, protecting those who use the local coast.
The lifeboat station remains a focal point for the village, staffed by local volunteers. Many crew members are fishermen or dive boat operators who possess intimate knowledge of the local waters. Shaw himself joined the crew in 2020, drawn by the community spirit and the opportunity to contribute to a vital service. He highlighted that the role of the lifeboat extends beyond rescues at sea, encompassing support for the local community as well.