Scotland Office
The awards are part of a series made today across the UK to support water rescue services.
The Scottish winners are:
- Moray Inshore Rescue, Findhorn - 5,037
- Port William Inshore Rescue Service, Dumfries and Galloway - 12,690
- International Rescue Corps, based in Grangemouth - 16,800
- Loch Lomond Rescue Boat - 7,340
- East Sutherland Rescue Association, Dornoch - 17,408
The UK Government scheme gives voluntary groups crucial funding for new equipment and training, to support their rescue efforts on and around inland and inshore waterways. The money is for the purchase of lifeboats, launch vehicles, rafts and safety gear, as well as going towards training and other costs to support lifesaving efforts.
Scotland Office Minister Andrew Dunlop said:
This funding recognises the enormous efforts of voluntary rescue boat teams in Scotland, and their tireless work in providing 24/7 services during emergencies and extreme weather. These groups often rely on charitable donations to sustain their operations, and this additional funding will make a real difference to them and the communities they serve. It will enable them to buy the essential equipment and training which will save more lives and keep crews safe.
And as well as benefitting four local communities in Scotland, our support for the International Rescue Corps will help their relief work across the UK and overseas.