Scotland’s dramatic coastlines, rugged islands, and ever-changing seas have long demanded courage, resilience, and community spirit. Lifeboats are vital in this landscape, forming a crucial part of maritime safety and heritage. From the bustling harbours of the east coast to the remote shores of the Hebrides, lifeboat stations have saved lives for generations. They are staffed by dedicated volunteers who brave the elements to help those in danger.
This page brings information about past and present lifeboat stations throughout Scotland, including the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and independent services. Whether you’re tracing the history of sea rescue, supporting a local crew, or planning a visit to a lifeboat station, you’ll find helpful links, stories, and resources highlighting the ongoing importance of lifeboats in Scotland’s maritime communities.
Royal National Lifeboat Institution—The RNLI is a charity that provides a 24-hour lifesaving service in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Volunteer crews give up their time and comfort to carry out rescues in complex and often dangerous conditions.
Lifeboat Stations in Scotland
- Aberdeen Lifeboat – Established in 1802
- Anstruther Lifeboat – Founded in 1865
- Arbroath Lifeboat – Saving lives since 1803
- Isle of Barra Lifeboat – The Barra lifeboat station was established in 1931
- Buckie Lifeboat
- Dunbar Lifeboat – Established in 1808 – Dunbar Lifeboat Station is also on Twitter
- Invergordon Lifeboat
- Kinghorn Lifeboat – Established in 1965
- Kirkcudbright Lifeboat
- Kyle of Lochalsh Lifeboat
- Largs Lifeboat – Firth of Clyde
- Lerwick Lifeboat
- Loch Ness Lifeboat – The Loch Ness rescue boat is run by a team of volunteers who live in and around Drumnadrochit.
- Mallaig Lifeboat – The most westerly lifeboat station on the British mainland.
- Montrose Lifeboat
- North Berwick Lifeboat
- Oban Lifeboat
- Peterhead Lifeboat
- Portpatrick Lifeboat
- Stranraer Lifeboat
- Stromness Lifeboat
- Thurso Lifeboat
- Tobermory Lifeboat
- Troon Lifeboat
- Wick Lifeboat
Lifeboat Information
The Lifeboat Enthusiasts’ Society brings together those keen to support the RNLI and provides an exchange of information between the RNLI and members on the many aspects of lifeboats, past, present, and future.
The Lifeboat Sation Project
The Lifeboat Station Project – Jack Lowe’s Epic Mission to Photograph 238 RNLI Lifeboat Stations on Glass.
Excellent film by Sean Tucker on The Lifeboat Station Project
