Tunnocks to the rescue: A boat launched on teacakes

THE story of the rigid-hull inflatable boat, the Thomas Tunnock, is as remarkable as its crew.

The independently run lifeboat was bought after the RNLI decided to pull the plug on their own craft at St Abbs in September 2015.

It stated that it was shutting it down after an “extensive review” and that an inshore boat would be added down the coast at Eyemouth.

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The St Abbs boat had saved more than 240 lives since it was first launched in 1911.

So the town launched a nationwide appeal for the £300,000 cost of a replacement lifeboat – and netted a £250,000 donation from biscuit makers, Tunnocks. Crew member, Ian Wightman, said: “I wrote to them and many others for support.

“They sent a £10,000 cheque and when I called to thank them they offered to donate the full cost.

“Company boss Boyd Tunnock launched the lifeboat, named after his grandfather and late brother.”