East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) has been announced as one of this year’s recipients of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service — the highest honour given to volunteer groups across the United Kingdom. The award recognises exceptional contributions made by volunteers to their communities and is regarded as the group equivalent of an MBE.

On Friday 15th August, the community of Dornoch came together to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) with a full programme of remembrance and celebration.

Today marks 80 years since Victory over Japan Day – the end of World War II. Here in Dornoch, we’re commemorating the occasion with a full day of events for all ages, with moments of solemn reflection and joyful celebration.

At last week’s Wednesday training session (25 June 2025), ESRA’s newly appointed Chair, Antony Hope, presented our longest-serving member Neil Dalton with a special award in recognition of over four decades of dedicated service.

On Sunday 29th June 2025, ESRA welcomed four members of the Royal Navy crew from HMS Sutherland for a lifeboat training session on the Dornoch Firth, launching from Dornoch Beach aboard the Glen Cassley.

We’re absolutely delighted to share that Neil Dalton, Honorary President of East Sutherland Rescue Association, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to the community in East Sutherland.

As part of a national act of remembrance to mark VE Day, a short service was held at the Dornoch War Memorial on Thursday 8th May at 0900hrs.

At ESRA’s AGM on Wednesday 30th April 2025, Antony Hope was unanimously elected as the new Chair.

This year’s Santa on the Lifeboat event brought festive cheer to the Castle Street/Church Street square, despite a few challenges along the way!

We are nearing the conclusion of our preparations to honour the 80th anniversary of the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare.

A Chilly Tradition with a Heartwarming Twist

As the rays of a New Year’s sun kissed the stunning landscape of Dornoch, a vibrant and daring tradition unfolded along the picturesque beach of the Dornoch Firth.

Last Friday, the heart of Dornoch was transformed into a festive paradise, thanks to ESRA and their newest Lifeboat Wildland. Docked in the town square on the 15th of December, this vessel set the stage for a night of joyous celebration.

A Solemn Remembrance at Dornoch Beach: 250 Years Since the Heartbreaking Voyage of the Nancy

ESRA’s Maintenance Crew

ESRA’s New Boat “Wildland” takes to the water for the first time!

On Sunday 6th August 2023, the ESRA team and other members of the local community undertook a Marine Mammal Medic course on Dornoch beach. Read the article to find out more.