Marathon Oil UK offered to pay the costs of Peterhead lifeboat station for a year and last February Ed McFarland (centre r), the company's Aberdeen general manager, presented a cheque for 15,000 dollars to John Geddes (centre I), chairman of Peterhead station branch. With them are Lt-Cdr Brian Miles, deputy director RNLI, Coxswain John Buchan and members of Peterhead lifeboat crew. Captain Alexander Ramsay of Mar, chairman of the Scottish Executive Committee, was also present. Following the presentation, watched by people representative of all areas of the community, the boat was launched with Mr McFarland and other guests on board.

On their return, coffee was waiting in the Harbour Office followed by a buffet lunch provided by Marathon Oil. To show its appreciation, the RNLF gave a plaque to the company and a lifeboat tie to Mr McFarland..