Longhope Lifeboat Museum

We are absolutely stunned at the fantastic response we have had from so many folk, businesses and companies,      both from Orkney and beyond. The generosity and most sincere support offered, reflects how deeply this appeal    has touched people’s hearts.

It’s been a very emotional time for us as the donations arrive, often accompanied with heartfelt stories and personal memories of the time of the disaster. For the older generation these painful memories will be always there.

But now we are on the road to preserving our museum in which we can keep these precious stories safe for years,   for our children and future generations to see and understand. To cradle the essence of the bravery and courage of past Longhope lifeboat men within the walls of the old lifeboat station from which they launched so long ago to save the lives of others in peril at sea.

We sincerely thank everyone of you who have supported us so far through Phase One of the Appeal and enabled    us to embark on this huge but worthy project.
The Appeal will be ongoing and now taken into Phase two.                   
  Thank you.

Longhope Lifeboat Museum Trust.

 Next March 17, 2019 will be the 50th Anniversary of the Longhope Lifeboat Disaster.

We will be holding a Commemoration event to remember the entire crew of eight men who tragically lost their lives when their lifeboat, the T.G.B capsized in mountainous seas while attending a ship in distress in the Pentland Firth.

 'TGB' out in full sea.  Painting by Harry Berry

We are trying to raise funds to help us restore and maintain the Longhope Lifeboat Museum, which was the lifeboat station at the time of the disaster. Built in 1906, the principle aim of this maritime museum, is to tell the historical story of the old lifeboat station, the powerful events and rescues at sea and to remember former crew members. It is also home to the Thomas McCunn, a Watson class lifeboat, which was in service from 1933-1962. She launched 101 times and saved 308 lives. Incredibly, 80 years on,  she is still launched down the slipway on special occasions.



An interesting mixture of old artefacts, literature and information associated with former Longhope lifeboats and past crew members are displayed around the museum. From an old sou-wester, thigh boots and oilskins left hanging on a hook, to newspaper cuttings, medals, vellums, photographs, letters etc. There are some remarkable poems on display, some of them about the disaster. These were written by people who wanted to express their deepest feelings of sorrow, show respect for those who were lost and sympathise with those loved ones left behind.





There is also a striking display of large oil paintings by Harry Berry. These powerful paintings illustrate some of the past rescues undertaken by the Longhope lifeboats and emphasize the perilous nature of the sea.


The 'Ben Bravas' rescue by Longhope Lifeboat . Painting by Harry Berry.

The museum was founded in 1999 and is run by The Longhope Lifeboat Museum Trust, a group of local volunteer enthusiasts. It relies solely on public donations and entry is free. We hope to raise £30,000 to carry out this essential maintenance and improvements to ensure the survival of these precious items and prepare it for the Commemoration next March.
The museum stands as a tribute to bravery of the lifeboat crews of Longhope over the years, whose stories are told and preserved between its walls.





Photo of past crew of Longhope Lifeboat on display in the museum




Gift Aid increases the value of your charity donations by 20%. To have this option it is best to send a cheque to the Longhope Lifeboat Museum Trust, at Longhope Lifeboat Museum, Brims, Longhope, Orkney.
Thank you.