A north-east lifeboat team has renewed its fundraising appeal to ensure they can continue to save lives by protecting their own.
Earlier this year, Fraserburgh RNLI announced plans to build a £400,000 pontoon to make it easier for crewmen to jump onboard their vessel.
It would also protect casualties being stretched onto the dock.
The charity is now renewing its appeal to businesses to consider financing half of the cost.
Last night, the charity’s corporate partnerships manager, Ross Martin, said: “We understand that £200,000 is a lot to ask of one sponsor, but if several companies were able to share the cost between them we would love to work with them to fund this project.”
At the moment, the Fraserburgh volunteers must tackle a dangerous flight of steps to get to their vessel when called out to an emergency.
Vic Sutherland, coxswain of the Willie and May Gall lifeboat, has described the situation as “a nightmare”.
“The last thing you want to do is climb onto hand rails wet from the rain,” he said.
“Then if there’s any swell in the harbour that’s another risk.
“We’re here to save lives at sea and we can only get that done if we’re fit to get it done in the first place. The last thing I need as coxswain is to have one of my crew injured before we leave the berth.”
Mr Sutherland, who has served with the RNLI in Fraserburgh for 20 years, has assisted dozens of casualties onto the quayside.
The Willie and May Gall is one of the busiest rescue crafts in the region.
Earlier this month volunteers were called to the aid of a trawler crew whose fishing boat, the Karinya, burst into flames 40 miles from Fraserburgh.
The RNLI worked through the night to shelter the fishermen until the vessel sank.
The station was recently short-listed for a Pride of Aberdeen Award in the search and rescue category and Mr Martin said this underlines their value to the community.
“Their job would be made a great deal easier and safer with safe access on and off the lifeboat,” he said.