Sea rescue charities in Moray and Sutherland are among five to share a £1million UK Government funding boost.
The inshore rescue services will receive awards to help boost their hard work.
Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation has been awarded just more than £15,500 to purchase much needed dry suits and a launch tractor to get them out on the water safely and quickly, improving their response to calls for help.
Nith Inshore Rescue receives £69,000 to help fund the replacement of much needed equipment, including a new outboard motor for the main rescue lifeboat, new PPE and Personal Floatation devices for volunteers, as well a new auxiliary boat road trailer and site equipment.
East Sutherland Rescue Association has been awarded more than £11,000 to fund head-to-toe safety gear for the volunteers and rescue equipment to ensure they can carry out their search and rescue duties more safely and effectively.
UK Government Minister for Scotland, Douglas Ross said: “This UK Government cash boost will help Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation in their unstinting efforts to keep the waters around Findhorn Bay safe. Run entirely by a group of selfless and brave volunteers, these funds will be a real help to them in their life-saving work.”
The £1m grant pot is the latest round of the UK Government’s Department for Transport Rescue Boat Grant Fund. Since launching in 2014, the fund has provided £5.7 million to 104 charities.