‘Fantastic news’ for Longhope lifeboat museum

Longhope Lifeboat Museum has secured over £220,000 to support major work, repairs, restoration, and the developments of its facilities.

The museum, a tribute to the men lost in the 1969 Longhope Lifeboat disaster, has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Longhope Lifeboat Museum Trust Restoration and Development Project.

Made possible by National Lottery players, the project aims to both restore and further develop the museum’s facilities, to widen and improve access to the heritage, develop new audiences, and increase participation.

This will also ensure the future sustainability of the heritage to benefit future generations, the Longhope Lifeboat Museum Trust has said. 

Development funding of £224,800 has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help Longhope Lifeboat Museum progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant at a later date. 

The project aims to carry out essential repair and restoration work to the museum building and slipway.

It will also involve a re-fit of the vintage lifeboat, and the design and construction of a new-build visitor centre, adjacent to the museum.

In addition, other activities will be developed including an improved online presence, improved interpretation, and a volunteering and skills development programme. 

Kevin Kirkpatrick, chairman of the Longhope Lifeboat Museum Trust, said: “We are delighted to receive this support thanks to National Lottery players.

“That the iconic building and vintage lifeboat Thomas McCunn can now be given the full repairs and care they deserve is fantastic news for our local community and hugely important to all our volunteers and supporters.

“This funding will allow us to take essential action to preserve our unique heritage in the best possible way, continuing to tell the story of the Longhope lifeboat and Orkney seafaring whilst going forward with our project to develop and improve the museum for future visitors.

“The generosity of the public that inspired us and helped us to begin the project of repairs and improvements in 2019 is vindicated in this wonderful news.”