A north-east man who asked guests at his 50th birthday party for donations instead of gifts has handed over more than £1,000 to his local lifeboat station.
Graham Duthie lives near Fraserburgh’s RNLI branch and wanted to help the hard-working volunteers he sees every day.
Mr Duthie celebrated his 50th birthday last month, and held a party for friends, family and colleagues at the town’s leisure centre.
“Everyone in Fraserburgh respects and admires the work that the lifeboat does and the place the lifeboat has in the community,” Mr Duthie said.
“So with my 50th approaching I decided to hold a party and thought it would be a good idea to raise funds for the lifeboat.
“We raised the money at the party through raffles, donations and collections.
“I was wondering and half hoping that we might be able to achieve a four figure sum but friends, family and colleagues really came good.”
He added that he was delighted to break the £1,000 barrier.
In total he handed over £1,180 to Fraserburgh lifeboat coxswain Victor Sutherland.
Last night Mr Sutherland said: “With more than a bit to spare, £1,180.34 is a tremendous amount. I wasn’t expecting to hear him say that when he walked through the door.
“I’d like to thank Graham and his friends, family and colleagues on behalf of everyone at Fraserburgh Lifeboat Station for thinking of us and raising the money for such a sizeable donation.
“All the money raised will be used to help us save lives at sea.”