Fraserburgh, otherwise known locally as "the Broch", is a fishing town situated on the North East corner of the Aberdeenshire Coast. It was founded in the 16th century by the Frasers of Philorth, whose descendants still live only a few miles from the town. A university was founded here in 1592 by Sir Alexander Fraser but unfortunately it only lasted about 10 years. The town expanded rapidly in the 19th century with the success of the herring fishing, and remains an important fishing port with several fish processing factories. In 1900 more than 1000 fishing boats were registered in the port of Fraserburgh. Kinnaird Head Lighthouse was built in 1787 on top of the Fraser tower house which was built in approx 1570, the Lighthouse was the first to be built by the Commissioners of the Northern Lighthouses. Now in the care of Historic Scotland, it now houses the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses. For those of you who do not know, Fraserburgh is situated 42 miles North of Aberdeen in Scotland. Fraserburgh is a small town and has a population of approx 13.000.
Fraserburgh Lifeboat Station - History 1806 The first lifeboat was kept by the Harbour Commissioners until the 1850s. Two Gold Medals (1827 and 1831) and one Silver Medal (1835) were awarded for rescues before a station was established by the RNLI. 1858 The RNLI established the station, its first in Scotland, and a boathouse was built. A Silver Medal was awarded to Coastguard Godfrey Beatson for rescuing the crew from the wrecked schooner Fortuna. 1909 Two Silver Medals were awarded to Coxswain Andrew Noble for two services when 13 crew were rescued from the two fishing boats, Henry and Elizabeth and Zodiac. 1915 The station’s first motor lifeboat Lady Rothes arrived on station. She was provided by Mr T Dyer Edwardes to commemorate the saving of his daughter, the Countess of Rothes, from the wreck of the Titanic in May 1912. 1918 On a service to HM Drifter Eminent the lifeboat capsized and was driven ashore. Coxswain Andrew Noble and Acting Second Coxswain Andrew Farquhar drowned. 1929 A Silver Medal was awarded to Second Coxswain James Sim for rescuing seven crew from the trawler Clio. The service took place on 14 January 1912 but as the Honorary Secretary was seriously ill at the time this service was not fully reported until 17 years later. 1936 A Bronze Medal was awarded to Coxswain James Sim for rescuing nine crew from the trawler Evergreen. 1940 A Silver Medal was awarded to Acting Coxswain Andrew Stephen and Bronze Medals to Mechanic George Duthie and Assistant Second Coxswain John May for rescuing 10 men from the wrecked trawler Northwood. 1953 On 9 February six lifeboat crew tragically lost their lives when the lifeboat capsized whilst escorting fishing boats into the harbour. They were Coxswain Andrew Ritchie, Mechanic George Duthie, Bowman Charles Tait, Assistant Mechanic James Noble and Crew Members John Crawford and John Buchan. The only survivor was Charles Tait, the son of the bowman. 1959 Bronze Medals were awarded to Acting Coxswain Alexander Duthie and
Mechanic Frederick Kirkness for a service to two fishing boats lasting nine hours. 1970 On 21 January, while on service to the Danish fishing vessel Opal, the lifeboat The Duchess of Kent capsized with the loss of five of her crew of six – Coxswain John Stephen, Mechanic Frederick Kirkness and Crew Members William Hadden, James RS Buchan and James Buchan. Assistant Mechanic John (Jackson) Buchan was flung clear when the lifeboat capsized and was saved by a Russian trawler. Following the capsize, the station became temporarily non-operation 1978 The station became operational again and a Solent class lifeboat arrived at the station on 28 June. 1981 A 150th anniversary Vellum was presented to station. 1982 The boathouse was extended, providing improved crew facilities. 1985 The Solent class lifeboat was withdrawn and replaced by a Tyne class lifeboat. 1989 The Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum was awarded to Coxswain Albert Sutherland for rescuing eight crew from the fishing vessel Mystic. 1995 A Framed Letter of Thanks was awarded to Coxswain Albert Sutherland when the lifeboat rescued the crew of five from the fishing vessel Sovereign. 1997 A Bronze Medal was awarded to Coxswain Albert Sutherland for rescuing six people and saving the fishing vessel Hopecrest 50 miles north east of the lifeboat station in very rough seas and a severe gale on 16 February. A new lifeboat berth was completed and the lifeboat was placed on permanent moorings in the harbour. 2002 The Trent class lifeboat, ON-1259 Willie and May Gall, was placed on service on 8 May. 2007 A new D class boathouse and shore facility were completed in April.
Station honours At Fraserburgh Lifeboat Station the following awards have been made: Framed Letter of Thanks 1 Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum 1 Bronze Medal 6 Silver Medal 6 Gold Medal 2
Today’s Lifeboat The Trent class lifeboat is designed to lie afloat, either at deep-water moorings or at a berth. Introduced in 1994, it shares the same hull shape as the Severn class but is a smaller version. The sheerline sweeps down for ease of survivor recovery. As with the Severn, its propellers are protected so it can take ground without damage.
Key Features • Self righting • Navigation and communication
Category Introduced Length Range Speed Weight Crew Construction Launch type
All-weather 1994 14m 250 nautical miles 25 knots 27.5 tonnes 6 Fibre reinforced composite Moored afloat