Work of RNLI is celebrated with statue

Anew statue memorialising the work of Broughty Ferry’s lifeboat crew has been unveiled. The sculpture is part of the multi-millionpound flood defence scheme.

Located on Beach Crescent, the art depicts lifeboat davits – the wooden cranes used to hold emergency boats in place – which form an archway framing a view of Broughty Ferry’s RNLI base.

Inscribed on the statue are the names of the 12 lifeboats which have harboured at the inshore station since its creation in the late 1850s.

City development convener Mark Flynn attended the unveiling, alongside new coxswain Peter Hay and former crew member Robin Smith, who served on the tragic Mona lifeboat.

The Ferry’s lifeboat station is home to two volunteer-staffed vessels – the Trent class all-weather Elizabeth of Glamis and the D class inshore lifeboat Oor Lifesaver.

Mr Flynn said: “It is crucial that we not only ensure effectiveness and value for money when delivering flood protection for our coastal communities but also that any scheme is attractive and in keeping with the buildings and streetscape around it.

“The inclusion of relevant and engaging public art is part of that process and I am delighted to see the sculpture unveiled in its context today.”

Mr Hay said: “It’s great to see not just the practical side of the scheme, which allows us as a crew better access to the lifeboat station, but also to see the work of the lifeboat in the Ferry down the years commemorated in such an outstanding way.”

The statue also marks one of the final phases in the Ferry’s flood prevention scheme.

Work on the £15.5 million development began three years ago and the project is now nearing completion.

The scheme is designed to protect the area from high tides and flooding while promoting active travel.

Much of the work has been undertaken by Belfast firm McLaughlin and Harvey.

Director Seamus Devlin said: “We are proud to attend this official opening of our flood protection works at Broughty Ferry.

“There has been a significant transformation to the local area and we have particularly enjoyed seeing members of the public enjoying the new walkway.”

With one major project almost complete, a second is about to get under way.

This week, the contract to build a £1.8 million twoway cycle lane and footpath on Broughty Ferry Esplanade was approved by Dundee City Council.

The work will see the pavement upgraded from Castle Lane to Bridge Street. Work is scheduled to start next month and finish early next year.

DOWN THE AGES: The statue is a tribute to lifeboat crews past and present. Unveiling the work were former crew member of the lifeboat Mona Robin Smith, RNLI Broughty Ferry president David Martin and Councillor Mark Flynn. Picture by Kenny Smith.