Anstruther's new lifeboat station update

An aerial view of Anstruther's harbour area on a sunny day, taken from above the sea looking inland towards the town with the countryside stretching out into the distance.

Update on Anstruther’s new lifeboat station

Phase 1 of the works to build a new lifeboat station in Anstruther will start on Monday 21st July, following the approval of the RNLI’s Transport Management Plan.

The RNLI have worked hard with Fife Council to redesign the work programme and site layout to help address most of the concerns previously raised. The council in consultation with the RNLI recognised that the work had to begin as soon as possible for the project to remain financially viable and protect those working in the marine environment. The initial two weeks of work will have little or no impact on car parking at the East Basin.

The revised plans help to address the key concerns which were raised when a start date for the work was first announced in March. These include:

  • 20 car parking spaces will be retained at the East Basin.
  • 50 car parking spaces will be available in the park and ride facility near the Co-operative Supermarket, in Anstruther.
  • A bus will run daily, during peak times, to transfer visitors and locals from the park and ride car park to the harbour area throughout the day. (For details on bus times see the FAQs below)
  • Public access to East Basin beach will be maintained throughout the build. Part of the beach will be sectioned off to allow the launch ramp to be built safely.
  • Tour buses and coaches will be able to drop passengers at the harbour area as usual before parking in designated areas elsewhere in the town. The coach bays at Station Road car park have been reconfigured for this and during school holidays and at weekends Waid Academy will be used as an overflow.
  • Tour operators have been notified, and signs will be erected for coaches and to direct the public to the park and ride site.

The new station is being built to house the cutting-edge Shannon class lifeboat. The first phase of construction involves work carried out in the water to build the launch ramp and sea wall. With the safety of the workforce paramount, it is crucial this is carried out in the summer. Undertaking this type of construction during the winter months, with reduced daylight hours and an increased likelihood of adverse weather, would pose unacceptable safety challenges to the construction team, as well as prolonging the build time and significantly increasing cost.

The RNLI are holding drop-in sessions at the lifeboat station on Wednesday 2 July from 13:00 to 8.00pm and Thursday 3 July from 09:30 – 12:00. This will allow members of the public to come along, see the revised work plans and ask any questions.

For more information see our FAQs below and visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

Roadworks – East Basin car park, Anstruther 

Location

Anstruther East Basin car park is situated at East Shore, in Anstruther. The car park is next to the current lifeboat station and opposite the Scottish Fisheries Museum.

Work programme

Work will begin on 21st July and last around 18 months. The initial two weeks of work will have little or no impact on car parking at the East Basin.

Planning documents

To see the full planning application and the conditions included within this click the following link

Temporary Park & Ride link:-

Temporary car park

A temporary, park and ride car park has been created by the RNLI, near Anstruther Co-operative Supermarket. The current proposed dates for the shuttle bus running from the park and ride to the harbour area are:

  • Peak: June, July and August – 10am-6pm daily.
  • October half-term and Christmas holidays – 10am to 4pm daily.
  • Mid-season: April (excluding Easter holidays) and May. - 10am to 4pm daily.
  • Easter 2026 – 10am – 6pm daily.
  • Off-peak – Weekends, 10am-4pm

Communications 

Regular updates will be provided through RNLI and FC social media channels and website. Road signs will be displayed directing motorists to the temporary car park. Bus and coach operators have been notified and signs will direct buses and coaches to parking at Station Road car park.

FAQs