Fuel supplier Certas Energy has helped safeguard the future of Nith Inshore Rescue with £2,500 worth of free fuel, writes Peter Brown.
The 40-year-old independent lifeboat service, based in southwest Scotland, relies on community fundraising and was under threat after a filling station withdrew a previous free fuel agreement in March.
Nith Inshore Rescue responds to around 35 call-outs a year.
Lindsay Martin, Certas Energy regional director, said: “Supporting vital community projects is part of our remit as the UK’s largest independent fuel distributor.
“When we heard about the fundraiser for Nith Inshore Rescue, it was natural for us to assist. With the charity now having access to our fuel cards, it can also access fuel at optimum rates over the next 12 months.
“The search and rescue work the service provides is vital to the community and we are proud to help ensure its continuity.”
Stealth Competitions, an online platform that runs raffles and prize draws, has also provided £2,500 worth of fuel to support the service.
Based in Glencaple, near Dumfries, the lifeboat covers the River Nith, upper northeast Solway and surrounding inland waters. It was founded in 1981 following a local tragedy on the river and operates from the purpose-built Glencaple Lifeboat Station, which opened in 1999.
It is one of a small number of independent lifeboats in the UK with official Declared Facility Status from HM Coastguard.
Nith Inshore Rescue chairman Peter Bryden said: “We were looking at an uncertain future if we didn’t have the fuel to launch our lifeboat when needed.
“We had set up a fundraiser to rally the local community, but times are tough and there are only so many times you can rely on people’s generosity.
“We are incredibly grateful to Certas Energy. This donation will help secure our future and save lives.”
Left to right: Lindsay Martin, Certas Energy Regional Director, Graeme Thom, from Stealth Competitions (front) and Nith Inshore Rescue crew Laurie Irving and Erin Cooper (back).
