The new lifeboat station will provide a much-needed modern base for the volunteer crew and a permanent home for the state-of-the-art Shannon-class lifeboat that arrived in Fife last year.  

The current station has been home to the RNLI in Anstruther since 1904 and, following six previous upgrades, is no longer fit for purpose.

A decision was made jointly by the RNLI and Fife Council to build a new lifeboat station further along the shore, with planning permission granted in 2020.

The new station will be built at the opposite side of the East Basin Carpark to replace the current station, which will be demolished.

Building a new station while the old one is still operating will allow the vital lifesaving service to be maintained for the duration of the build without the need for temporary accommodation.

The first phase of construction involves work carried out in the water to build the launch ramp and sea wall, which must be carried out during the summer and will begin on 21 July.

The new lifeboat station will provide a purpose-built boathouse for lifeboats, launch vehicles and equipment; a slipway directly facing harbour mouth, for faster and safer launches; a crew training and welfare area; an office and operations room; a workshop and tailor-made storage; a water safety and education hub; attractive visitor engagement spaces; modern changing facilities, showers and toilets; and a brand new gift shop.

RNLI worked with Fife Council to address local concerns about the impact of works on summer tourism.

RNLI operations lead Stuart Gudgeon said: “We are pleased we have been able to reach agreement with Fife Council about the phasing of the work and are grateful to local people for their understanding.

“We are doing everything we can to minimise the impact of the construction work and will keep people informed about the progress of the project.  

“The local community has been incredibly generous in supporting the appeal to help fund our new lifeboat station and we hope they will be proud of the building.

“It will be a significant new landmark in the town and will vastly improve the way our crew are able to operate, providing a permanent home for Anstruther’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat.”

Michael Scanlan, director at Clark Contracts, added: “We are proud to have been selected as the main contractor for the construction of the new RNLI lifeboat station in Anstruther.

“This is a vital facility for the RNLI, Fife Council, and the local community, and we are committed to delivering it to the highest standards.”