The RNLI fundraising cruise on board the NorthLink vessel MV Hjaltland at the weekend raised the record sum of £12,400.

The cruise, in aid of the life-saving work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, saw the ferry, which normally operates between Aberdeen and the Northern Isles, leave Aberdeen – on Saturday August 30 – for a southbound trip along the coast to Johnshaven.

The 450 passengers not only had the opportunity to view the spectacular coastline but also to witness four RNLI lifeboats on exercise as Aberdeen and Montrose RNLI stations brought along their inshore boats as well as their larger offshore lifeboats.

Anne Scott, RNLI area fundraising manager, said: “The cruise was a great success. The weather was kind and the trip was greatly enjoyed by all. The RNLI is a charity which exists to save lives at sea. Our lifeboat services receive no government funding and we rely on the generosity of the public and on the fund-raising efforts of companies like NorthLink to keep the lifeboats afloat. We thank NorthLink for their fantastic help in organising this event.”

NorthLink chief executive Bill Davidson added: “Our last cruise from Aberdeen raised some £9000 so this year’s event has exceeded all of our expectations. RNLI is a hugely respected organisation and NorthLink is delighted to be able to offer our help. I’d also like to take this opportunity to express our thanks to our own shore staff and seafarers who made their own contributions in time and effort and to make the cruise the success that it undoubtedly was.”

In addition to NorthLink Ferries making available the vessel and crew, a group of the company’s suppliers covered additional costs so that all ticket proceeds could go to RNLI – Nynas, Dundee (fuel); Strachan’s Ltd, Aberdeen (general food); Simpson Ward, Lerwick (fish); Williamsons, Kirkwall (butcher meat).