Clark Contracts is set to commence construction of a new RNLI lifeboat station in Anstruther on Monday, 21 July 2025.

This project will deliver a much-needed modern base for the dedicated volunteer crew and provide a permanent home for the state-of-the-art Shannon-class lifeboat, which arrived in Fife last year.

The current lifeboat station, originally built in 1904, has undergone six previous upgrades but is no longer fit for purpose. Following a joint decision by the RNLI and Fife Council, planning permission was granted in 2020 for a new station to be constructed further along the shore.

The new facility will be built on the opposite side of the East Basin Carpark to replace the existing station, which will subsequently be demolished. This phased approach, constructing the new station while the old one remains operational, ensures the vital lifesaving service can continue without interruption or the need for temporary accommodation during the build.

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The initial phase of works will involve the construction of the new launch ramp and sea wall, which will require operations to be carried out in the water.

The new lifeboat station is designed to provide a range of modern amenities, including:

• A purpose-built boathouse for lifeboats, launch vehicles, and essential equipment.

• A slipway directly facing the harbour mouth, enabling faster and safer launches.

• Dedicated crew training and welfare areas.

• An office and operations room.

• A workshop and tailor-made storage facilities.

• A water safety and education hub.

• Attractive visitor engagement spaces.

• Modern changing facilities, showers, and toilets.

• A brand new gift shop.

Stuart Gudgeon, RNLI Operations Lead, expressed satisfaction with the progress: "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." He also acknowledged community support: "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, stated: "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."