NICOLA Sturgeon has agreed to head back to St Abbs for the launch of the new lifeboat in July after enjoying a visit.
She met locals in the Borders fishing village who have been campaigning for months to raise money to set up their own independent lifeboat.
After the visit, charity organisers sent Sturgeon a Twitter message: “@NicolaSturgeon, we really appreciate that you took the time to visit today, would be good to see you back for relaunch day at end of July?”
She replied: “@stabbslifeboat I would love to! Thanks for showing me round yesterday.”
On their Facebook page, they posted: “Members of St Abbs Lifeboat were very pleased to welcome an unexpected guest this afternoon. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
“She knew all about our story and had been very impressed with the community spirit and the fundraising. She is now the proud owner of a St Abbs Lifeboat hoodie.”
The RNLI closed its station in St Abbs earlier this year, ending a 104-year association with the close-knit community despite a high-profile campaign against the move.
Scottish biscuit maker Boyd Tunnock donated £250,000 for a new lifeboat for St Abbs village in the Borders just months after the RNLI pulled out.
Campaigners behind the appeal to raise £500,000 to fund an independent lifeboat, crew, medical supplies and running costs were so stunned by the news it reduced many to tears.
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