The East Sutherland Rescue Association, operating in the Dornoch Firth area in the Scottish Highlands, was formed in 1982 in response to a local tragedy which occurred in the summer of 1981. 

Approaches to the RNLI for help were met with the response that there was no requirement for a lifeboat stationed in Dornoch.  This is despite the two nearest RNLI stations being one hour 45 minutes and two hours steaming away at that time. 

A great deal of support and advice was offered by HMCG (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) and from the Police at the time, which resulted in an independent lifeboat station being established in Dornoch. 

The East Sutherland Rescue Association celebrated its 40th anniversary this year and has been called out many hundreds of times over the years.