Brave firemen who tried to save a mother and son from drowning have been praised for their actions.
Julie Walker, 37, and her six-year-old son Lucas died after getting into difficulties in the water at Aberdeen Beach during a family day out in August.
Lucas had been playing at the waterfront with his brother Samuel, 13, when he was suddenly swept out to sea.
Both his mother and older brother leapt after him to try and bring him back to shore.
But they struggled against the strong current and sadly both Ms Walker and Lucas died shortly after being rescued. Samuel survived the ordeal and was taken to hospital.
At the time several members of the public managed to spot the trio in the water and called the emergency services, who rushed to the scene.
Three men from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have now been honoured for their attempts to save the mother and child on August 20.
Watch Manager David Gordon, firefighter Jamie Lawrie and crew manager Martin Vardy, all based in Aberdeen, have been given the Chief Officer’s Commendation for their valiant efforts on the day.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) Robert Scott presented the men with the honour.
He said: “The Chief Officer’s Certificate of Commendation recognises their actions.
“It is with great sadness that, despite their very best efforts, both mother and son could not be saved.
“The thoughts of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are with their family, their friends and their community.”
Ms Walker was described by family as a “kind and loving mother” while Lucas was said to have been a “lively and energetic little boy”.
The commendation awards were handed out at a ceremony in Aberdeen earlier this week.
A group of firefighters with a combined total of 430 years of service were also honoured for putting their lives on the line for the public.
Between the 16 men and women there were six Long Service and Good Conduct medals, nine thirty-year long service certificates and one 40-year long service certificate ACO Scott said the group had shown “outstanding and exemplary conduct”.