Father Simon and several members of St Finnbarr’s congregation were involved in blessing and naming the new East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) lifeboat this afternoon in Dornoch. The “Wildland” is a whole new capability for ESRA and, together with considerable ancillary equipment, has been very generously funded by Mr Anders Povlson.

The boat was formally (and brilliantly) named by Ms Kim Tulloch DL with the Lord-Lieutenant in attendance. Prayers were led by the Revd John Chambers OBE who chairs the Friends of ESRA. A blessing was conducted by Father Simon Scott with the help of local children who anointed both boat and crew (perfectly).

The L-L thanked Mr Neil Dalton and his team for such a successful ceremony. He then spoke of Sir Francis Drake’s prayer which reminds us that “….in any great venture….it is not the beginning but the continuing to the end which yields the true glory” and thus the vital need for enduring support for ESRA both financially and in finding volunteers to man the boat and to support her.

Lord we pray for the safety of this vessel during her years of service. Protect and strengthen all those who will crew her, and bring all those she is sent out to rescue safely to shore. Amen.