The RNLI’s decision to downgrade Arbroath has been branded an insult to the men who perished on the darkest day of the town station’s distinguished 220-year history.
The Meadowbank Inn was packed for a public meeting on Tuesday night as the shockwaves from a lifesaving review which will take away Arbroath’s all-weather boat continued to reverberate through the community.
The decision will see Arbroath’s all-weather Inchcape boat replaced by an inshore Atlantic 85 rigid inflatable.
It effectively turns one of Scotland’s oldest stations – and the last in the country with a slipway launch – into an inshore operation.
Local figures say that while the Atlantic is a capable craft, it is not fit for the Arbroath role.
Under the review, Broughty Ferry is to receive the pride of the RNLI fleet, a £2.5 million Shannon-class.
The Angus station was promised the jet-propelled craft as far back as 2014.
There is deep anger locally that the organisation has reneged on that commitment.
It’s also emerged the Arbroath station is sitting on funds of almost £4m – more than enough to cover the cost of a Shannon-class.
Boatbuilder’s fury
Retired boatbuilder Harry Simpson captured the mood of the meeting with a reference to the most tragic chapter in the station’s history.
It came in the early hours of October 27 1953.
The town lifeboat Robert Lindsay was returning home when it capsized within sight of the harbour.
Six men were lost.
Mr Simpson said: “This decision is a slap in the face to the memory of the men who lost their lives back in 1953.
“And it is a slap in the face to all who have served on the crew of Arbroath lifeboat and continue to serve.
“I have spent over 50 years in this harbour and we need a big boat here.”
Legacy fund questions
RNLI chiefs say the combination of cover will enhance lifesaving provision on the coastal stretch covered by the two stations.
But there is anger the Ferry and Arbroath were plunged into competition against each other during the review.
Questions have also now emerged around coffers of £3.9m built up over decades of dedicated local fundraising and legacies.
It is held by RNLI HQ in what is known as a reserved fund.
Arbroath lifeboat management group chairman Ian Ballantyne said charity officials had declined an invitation to attend the meeting.
“One of the really frustrating things is the absolute lack of transparency,” he said.
“We have been given no explanation of the outcome of the review.
“They simply delivered the decision and left.
“At best the RNLI had been disingenuous to us, and at worst they have been downright deceitful.
“This turnout illustrates the strength of feeling in Arbroath.
“We need them to come to the town and tell the people how they reached this decision.
“We also need to find out exactly what we have in our reserved account and how it can be used.”
Gratitude for local turnout
He raised the spectre of Arbroath losing its station completely.
“The Arbroath station is old and needs replaced,” he said.
“There is no structure in place for launching an Atlantic 85.
“If they then say there’s nothing in place, do they shut down Arbroath?
“They need to come here and speak to us.
“And the fact they didn’t come here tonight is disrespectful to our crew, who have turned out to this meeting.”
Lifeboat operations manager Alex Smith said the large turnout was a heartening show of support for the volunteer lifesavers.
“This decision has shattered a lot of people who believed Arbroath would soon be equipped with the best boat the RNLI has.
“We believe it is the right boat for Arbroath and the area of the open North Sea we have covered for more than 200 years.
“Whatever it takes, we will fight this decision every step of the way.”
Conversation