An MP for Dunfermline and West Fife has visited Coastwatch West Fife’s new station.

Douglas Chapman MP visited the new station at North Queensferry to learn more about the charity’s work.

With a new base below the Forth Road Bridge established as of September last year, this team of volunteers crew the Coastwatch station throughout the year as “the eyes and ears” of marine activity on the Firth of Forth.

Douglas Chapman commented: “Coastwatch have an impressive set-up at the harbour at North Queensferry with their state-of-the-art specialised trailer equipped with VHF marine radio, maritime binoculars, an impressive selection of nautical maps and the all important Watchkeeper Training Guide in order to “Spot, Plot, Report and Respond”.

READ MORE: New stops unveiled on Forth Bridges Trail for World Heritage Day

“This new compact and bijou station is integral to the vital work by Station Commander Craig Somerville and his team in monitoring and helping people along our coastline in assistance with His Majesty’s Coastguard.

“They are all volunteers giving up their time to keep us safe on the Forth and their enthusiasm and professionalism is as impressive as it is reassuring.”

Their new station and well-equipped ambulance are the result of funding from Edinburgh Airport and Exxon Mobil. The Station has been recognised as an accredited Training Centre with the Royal Yachting Association.

“I’m delighted to learn that Craig and the team have also signed up to the Career Ready social mobility charity which supports young people into work and training regardless of their background through a structured programme of mentoring and have been working with a new intern at the Station.

“They are currently recruiting for those interested or wishing to gain a vocational qualification in coastal safety.” Douglas Chapman added.