03/04/2008 08:36:00
The launch of a new lifeboat service in the north of Scotland has been announced. The new craft, operated by the RNLI, will provide Scotland's first inland lifeboat service.
The BBC reports that the rescue craft will replace the Loch Ness service previously supplied by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and will be based at Temple Pier near Drumnadrochit, Inverness.
The Atlantic 75 rigid inflatable lifeboat will be the first RNLI lifeboat placed in a new Scottish location in 13 years and the local volunteer crew have been training in preparation.
While the venture represents a first for Scotland, the RLNI already operates a number of lifeboats on inland waters in England and Ireland.
RNLI spokesman Gareth Wilson said: "There shouldn't be any difference to be honest. It's getting busier and we took that into account when we considered taking this over.
"There's going to be a seamless changeover to ourselves but we're looking more and more into inland waters and it's part of our expertise now, whereas 13 years ago we concentrated on coastal rescue.
"So now we feel we're in a position where we can do this and hopefully provide fantastic 24 hour a day service".
The crew manning the new Inverness service has already undergone intensive training at the Lifeboat College in Dorset and they will bring valuable local knowledge and a variety of skills garnered during their time operating the previous Loch Ness rescue boat.