Antony Hope steps into the role of Chair

Antony Hope - Photo courtesy of Maggie Hope

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

Antony brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role as Chair of East Sutherland Rescue Association. His journey began at 17 when he joined the Army, where he served for 11 years and developed a passion for adventure training, climbing, canoeing, and yacht sailing. After leaving the Army, Antony pursued a global career in finance with CitiCorp, spending over 25 years working around the world.

He and his wife, Maggie, married in the 1990s and have five children. During his time living in Surrey, Antony completed the RYA Day Skipper and Yachtmaster qualifications and sailed regularly in the Thames Estuary and across the Channel to France.

Antony and Maggie moved to Dornoch in 2013 and became well-known in the community as the owners of the Dornoch Bookshop. Shortly after arriving, Antony joined ESRA, initially with no powerboat experience. Since then, he has completed the RYA Short Range VHF Radio Course, RYA Powerboat Level 2, and RYA Advanced Powerboat qualifications, going on to serve as ESRA’s Coxswain for approximately five years.

As he steps into the Chair role following Neil Dalton’s nearly 40 years of exceptional leadership, Antony looks forward to continuing ESRA’s proud tradition of volunteer service, focusing on water safety education and providing rescue when required. Neil will continue to serve ESRA in a new capacity, transitioning to the role of Honorary President.