Blue Peter III and Fidra

Today's the day .......................... to go to North Berwick

It was a wild and stormy day in North Berwick today with big waves crashing on to the beach.

This is the view from the harbour out to the island of Fidra. Robert Louis Stevenson was a frequent visitor to this part of the Lothian coast and it is said that he based his map of Treasure Island on the shape of Fidra. You can also see the North Berwick inshore lifeboat moored off shore.

Since 1967 the lifeboats stationed at North Berwick have all been funded by the Childrens BBC Program Blue Peter and their Pieces of Eight appeal. North Berwick has had five Blue Peter Lifeboats; all named Blue Peter III.

This Blue Peter III would normally have a crew of three or four. It is small and highly manooverable making it ideal for rescues close to the shore of swimmers, surfers and small boats. This one has been launched 79 times and has saved the lives of more than 57 people.

Let's hope it's not called into action today .............................