New fuel deal secures future of lifeboat service

A new fuel deal has helped secure the future of an independent lifeboat charity in the south of Scotland after a previous agreement was withdrawn at short notice.

Nith Inshore Rescue (NIR) - which covers the River Nith into the Solway Firth from its base at Glencaple - said it was a "profound shock" when a long-standing deal with St Michael's Services ended earlier this year.

Certas Energy and Stealth Competitions have now stepped in to provide support.

NIR chairman Peter Bryden said he was "incredibly grateful" and the donation had "secured our future and will help save lives."

The deal with the Dumfries filling station came to an end in March this year after it was one of a number of sites taken over by Grove Retail Ltd.

The independent lifeboat charity warned it would put "real pressure" on its operations.

However, that "public criticism" prompted a warning from the company's managing director that it could be discouraged from making future charity donations.

The company said the decision had been made "temporarily" in the face of increased costs due to rising fuel prices.

Lindsay Martin, Certas Energy regional director, said supporting "vital community projects" was part of its remit as the UK's largest independent fuel distributor.

"When we heard about the fundraiser happening for Nith Inshore Rescue, it was natural for us to assist in this way," he said.

"With the charity now having access to our fuel cards, it also means they can access fuel at optimum rates across the next 12 months.

"The search and rescue work the service provides is vital for this community and we are proud to be able to ensure its continuity for years to come."

Bryden said the backing would allow it to carry out its lifesaving operations.

"We had set up a fundraiser to rally the local community but we all know that times are tough and there are only so many times you can rely on people's generosity," he said.