# Banff and Macduff Lifeboat Station

Banff and Macduff Lifeboat Station is a former Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboat station, located in Banff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
The lifeboat station in this part of Aberdeenshire has been located in various locations in Banff & Macduff, and between 1923 and 1969, the lifeboat was located at Whitehills, three miles to the west of Macduff. Supporters and volunteers treat the station as 'one', regardless of the location. The current Macduff Lifeboat Station became operational in March 1974.

## History

In June 1859, the RNLI put out the message that it was "desirous to extend its work of usefulness to the Coasts of Scotland"...by the superintendence of an Honorary Committee of residents in each locality, who on their part undertake to collect locally what amount they are able of Donations towards the first Cost, and of Annual Contributions towards the permanent expenses of their several Establishments."
In response, Capt. MacDonald, Commander of H.M. Coastguard, Banff, had written to the RNLI, and his letter and response was discussed at a meeting of the Banff Harbour Trustees in Dec 1859. By January 1860, generous funds and donations were already forthcoming, amounting to £100, and the RNLI agreed to provide a lifeboat, which arrived at the end of August 1860.
The first lifeboat station was built at Banff Harbour, and according to the Banffshire Journal and General Advertiser of 4 September 1860, is noted as being a substantial granite building, about 40 feet long, and 18 feet wide within the walls, and which cost about £140.
At a meeting of the local committee of the Institution in July 1866, it was unanimously agreed that the lifeboat station be moved from Banff Harbour to Palmer Cove on the East side of Banff Bay. Invitations to tender for the work were placed in the local newspaper on 31 July 1866. However, it would be 11 years later, in 1877, prompted by storm damage to the foundations of the 1860 boathouse, that a new boathouse would be constructed at Palmers Cove, next to Banff Bridge. The 1860 boathouse was demolished, with as much material as possible being used for the construction of the new one. During this period, the boat was stored in the grounds of Duff House.
In 1902, the station was officially renamed "Banff & Macduff", although it appears to have been known by that name in most publications since 1860. But in 1923, the lifeboat was relocated to Whitehills Harbour, with the name changed to Whitehills Lifeboat Station in 1924.
The 1877 boathouse was placed for up for sale in December 1924, and was purchased by Banff Town Council for £135. The boathouse still stands, and on the front gable, there are three stones, marked 1877, RN and LBI (Royal National Life Boat Institution). For a while it was used as the Craigmyle tearoom, but is currently a private residence.
For later history, please see
* Whitehills Lifeboat Station
* Macduff Lifeboat Station

## Station locations and names

| Dates | Station Name | Location |
| 1860–1877 | Banff | Deveronside/High Shore |
| 1877–1902 | Banff | Banff Bridge |
| 1902–1923 | Banff & Macduff | Banff Bridge |
| 1923–1924 | Banff & Macduff | Whitehills |

## Banff and Macduff lifeboats

| ON | Name | In service | Class |
| Pre-363 | Banff, later John Zell | 1860–1870 | 30-foot Self-righting (P&S) eight oars |
| Pre-548 | Banff later John and Sarah | 1870–1888 | 32-foot Self-righting (P&S) ten oars |
| 150 | Help For The Helpless | 1888–1902 | 34-foot. Self-righting (P&S) |
| 479 | George and Mary Berrey | 1902–1923 | 35-foot Self-righting (P&S) (ten oars) |
* ↑ ON is the RNLI's Official Number of the boat.
    Pre ON numbers are unofficial numbers used by the Lifeboat Enthusiast Society to reference early lifeboats not included on the official RNLI list.