Orkney Image Library

Stronsay’s Lifeboats

The first lifeboat in Stronsay was the JOHN RYBURN which arrived on 15th April, 1909.
She was a Motor Watson Type Lifeboat, number O.N. 565, 43 feet long and 12 feet 6 inches beam, built by Thames Ironworks – Builders No. T.L.3. at a cost of £2, 770-9-5d, from a legacy of W. McCann Esq, Largs, Scotland. She was fitted with a 40 horse power Tylars engine which cost £375 and fitted with Caledonian General Gear at a cost of £37-7-8d.
In 1911, a lifeboat house and slipway was constructed at a cost of £3, 050, and in 1912, Ryburn Cottage was built for the lifeboat mechanic at a cost of £300. The cottage was sold in 1937.
The lifeboat was stationed at Stronsay until June, 1915 when it went to Peterhead. During its stay in Stronsay it was launched 11 times and saved 4 lives.
The slipway was surrendered to the landowner in 1938.
The lifeboat was stationed at Peterhead until 1921 during which time she was launched 20 times and saved 158 lives.
She then went to Broughty Ferry until 1935, was launched 6 times and saved 15 lives.
In February 1935 she was purchased by T.J. Hughes, 2, Palace Avenue, Rhyl, North Wales, who fitted a wheelhouse, and new engine, and re-named her "Bempo".

Stronsay Lifeboat Station re-opened in October, 1952, and was serviced by a relief lifeboat, the Edward Z Dresden until 1st February, 1955, when a new 52 feet Barnett class motor lifeboat, the John Gellatly Hyndman arrived . She was built by
J.S. White, at a cost of £35,294, provided by a legacy from Miss Elise Amelia Hyndman of Greenock, Scotland.
She was fitted with two 60 bhp Ferry VE6 engines, and had a beam of 13 feet 6 inches. In 1969 she was re-engined with two 72 hp Thornycroft engines.
She remained on station until 30th May, 1972, during which time she was launched 116 times, and saved 47 lives.
She then became a relief boat until being sold on 1st July, 1985. During her service, she was launched on 166 occasions, and saved 92 lives.