An independent lifeboat service in southern Scotland has secured its operational future after a new fuel partnership replaced a long-standing arrangement that ended abruptly earlier this year.
Nith Inshore Rescue (NIR), which operates from Glencaple, 4 miles south of Dumfries, and covers the River Nith and inner Solway coast, said the support from Certas Energy and Stealth Competitions would allow it to continue its lifesaving work. The charity described the previous fuel deal's termination as a
profound shockwhen the agreement with St Michael's Services was withdrawn in March.
How did the original fuel deal end?
The filling station's decision to end the arrangement came after it was acquired by Grove Retail Ltd as part of a wider takeover of multiple sites. According to a follow-up report, the free-fuel arrangement was valued at thousands of pounds and was terminated immediately. Grove Retail's managing director, Chelvam, said the company had temporarily halted free fuel because of
significantly heightened operational costs due to rising fuel prices.
The withdrawal prompted public criticism of the retailer's decision. In response, the company's leadership warned that such criticism could discourage future charitable donations, though Grove Retail later indicated it was willing to explore alternative ways to help the charity.
What support has now been secured?
Certas Energy, the UK's largest independent fuel distributor, and Stealth Competitions have stepped in to provide backing. The new arrangement gives the charity access to fuel cards that allow it to obtain fuel at optimum rates across the next 12 months. Lindsay Martin, Certas Energy regional director, said supporting
vital community projectswas part of the company's remit, and that
when we heard about the fundraiser happening for Nith Inshore Rescue, it was natural for us to assist in this way.
Martin added that
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.
Why was this deal so critical?
NIR operates with 24 crew members ready to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but the charity does not receive regular government or other institutional funding and relies entirely on public generosity to sustain operations. Annual running costs are approximately £35,000, making fuel donations essential to keeping the service operational. The loss of the St Michael's Services arrangement had threatened to place
real pressureon the charity's ability to function.
NIR chairman Peter Bryden said he was
incredibly gratefulfor the new partnership and that the donation had
secured our future and will help save lives. He explained that the charity had launched a fundraiser to rally local community support, but acknowledged that
we all know that times are tough and there are only so many times you can rely on people's generosity.
What happens next?
According to reports on the agreement, the community response to the lost fuel support was described as overwhelming. Nith Inshore Rescue indicated that it had already secured additional fuel agreements with two further sponsors, with details to be announced shortly.
Key Facts
- Nith Inshore Rescue operates from Glencaple and covers the River Nith and inner Solway coast with a crew of 24 volunteers available round the clock
- The charity's previous fuel deal, valued at thousands of pounds, was terminated immediately in March after the filling station was acquired by Grove Retail Ltd
- Certas Energy and Stealth Competitions have now provided a new fuel partnership offering optimum rates for the next 12 months
- The charity receives no regular government funding and depends entirely on public donations and corporate support to maintain operations
- Additional fuel agreements with two more sponsors are expected to be announced shortly
