New RNLI crew in action hours after made operational

The Leverburgh crew and lifeboat that went to the aid of a fishing boat's crew

The RNLI's newest lifeboat station got its first shout at the weekend - just hours after being officially made operational.

The crew stationed at Leverburgh on Harris was called out on Saturday afternoon to go to the aid of a fishing boat after its engine broke down.

The crew of the Siolta got into difficulty south of Wiay Island, off Benbecula.

Leverburgh RNLI escorted the boat to a pier at Peter's Port on Benbecula.

The new lifeboat station will operate as a trial for up to three years before a decision is taken on running it on a permanent basis.

Scotland's last new lifeboat station was created on Loch Ness in 2008.

A local campaign had called for a boat and crew for Harris.