THE BRAVERY of Scotland’s RNLI crews was recognised at the charity’s annual meeting in Perth yesterday.

Top life-saving awards were presented to volunteer crew—and members of the public—who helped save six people in two search and rescue operations last year.

A total of 56 fund-raising and operations volunteers were also presented with honorary awards.

Edinburgh resident Andrew Fulton was joined by Jonathan Pikington and Catherine McVeigh from Cumbria to receive a framed letter of thanks, signed by RNLI chairman Admiral Sir Jock Slater.

Their actions helped save the lives of three people on board the powerboat Sea Snake, which crashed in Tarbert Harbour on July 10 last year.

Tighnabruaich RNLI volunteer lifeboatman Craig Allen received a framed certificate for first aid following his role in the service, which turned out to be one of the most tragic incidents in the history of the station.

Just after 2am, Tighnabruaich RNLI lifeboat went to the aid of the Sea Snake, which had collided with an area in Tarbert Harbour known locally as Candy Rock.

The call for help came from the yacht Revival, whose crew heard the crash and found a scene of devastation.

The Revival crew transferred two of the six people aboard the yacht and towed the sinking powerboat to the Caledonian Macbrayne Ferry slip.

Their actions prevented the motorboat from sinking and ensured a critically injured person on board did not drown.

On arrival, Tighnabruaich RNLI lifeboat crew boarded the Revival where Mr Allen and helmsman Stuart Jack administered first aid to the two casualties.

Paramedics meanwhile focused on those aboard the Sea Snake.

Three were pronounced dead at the scene and a fourth person was airlifted to hospital by Royal Navy helicopter.

RNLI coxswain Ronald MacKillop received a framed letter of thanks in recognition of the “seamanship, initiative and leadership” that helped save three people from the yacht Classic Wave, which sank on September 17 last year.

Oban volunteer RNLI lifeboatman Peter McKinnon was awarded a framed letter of thanks in recognition of his courage and determination during the same rescue.

Finally, the RNLI lifeboat crews at Oban and Tighnabruaich received letters of appreciation thanking them for their part in the operations.

John Caldwell, divisional inspector for the RNLI in Scotland, said, “When responding to a call for help RNLI lifeboat crews can never be certain what they will face or what skills will be needed.

“This is why our volunteers train every week to ensure they can respond in the most effective manner.

“However, something which cannot be taught is the courage and determination demonstrated by the Oban and Tighnabruaich RNLI lifeboat crews and the crew of yacht Revival, whose actions helped save the lives of six people.”

Those attending the meeting were also able to view the new Macduff Atlantic 85 lifeboat, on display outside the concert hall.

Macduff RNLI lifeboat crew will be the first in the UK and Ireland to operate the new class of inshore lifeboat.