THE Institution has awarded its Bronze Medal to Mr. Hugh MacKay, Senr., of Hilton, on the north-east coast of Rossshire on the Moray Firth, and its Thanks inscribed on Vellum to four other men for their gallantry in attempting to save a fishing boat on 20th March last.

This boat, the Pearl, was attempting to enter Balintore harbour in the afternoon in a whole gale, with a heavy sea running, when her engine failed. She was driven down on to the salmon stakenets, and to these her crew succeeded in securing her, but she was in the greatest danger.

Mr. MacKay called for volunteers, manned his own motor yawl Thrive, and went out to the rescue. The flood tide was making, which always renders it most dangerous to attempt to leave this harbour. In spite of this the Thrive not only went out in the gathering darkness, but succeeded in getting the Pearl in tow and brought her safely as far as the harbour entrance. Then the tow rope parted and the Pearl capsized, the Thrive with difficulty getting into the harbour. One of the two men on board the Pearl was injured in the capsizing and was drowned. The other succeeded in reaching the shore, 15 yards away, and owed his life to the gallantry of the five men on board the Thrive. The Medal and Vellums were presented before a large audience by Sir Hector Munro, Bt., Lord Lieutenant of the County, at a meeting held on 3rd September..