COASTGUARD NEWS - SCOTLAND & NI          

 <Back
Scotland & NI 185/01
29 August 2001

NEW COASTGUARD RESCUE TEAM BUILDING

Jack McConnell, Minister for Education, Europe and external Affairs, is to open the new Coastguard Rescue Team building at Lamlash on the Isle of Arran tomorrow, Thursday 30th August 2001 at 11.30 a.m.

In inviting and welcoming Mr. McConnell, John Astbury, Director of Maritime Operations and Chief Coastguard at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said: " There has been a Coastguard presence on the Island for well over 100 years. In the days of sail many vessels foundered on the coasts of the Island and rescues were performed using breeches buoy equipment.

" Kildonan was the main station for most of the early years with the old lookout still standing on the cliff top today. There was also a smaller team at Lochranza.

" The main station moved to Lamlash in the 1960’s and has remained there ever since, being well placed to serve our customers both on land and at sea.

" The old garage opposite the High School in Lamlash became too small for our needs and was also subject to flooding. This, along with an increased role of the Auxiliary Coastguard Service within the community, prompted the new building to be constructed, which we are delighted Mr. McConnell will open on Thursday."

In line with changes and developments over the years the team on Arran now stands at an eleven person Cliff Team with a four-wheeled drive vehicle.

Mr. McConnell said: "As a young boy I was aware of the Coastguard station in the village and the excellent, but dangerous, work of the local volunteers. It was a reassuring presence. This new facility is excellent news for the island and I am looking forward with pride declaring it open."