Anstruther Lifeboat Crew Member Barry Gourlay has received an award from the Royal Humane Society for his rescue of a capsized kayaker on 19 September 2010. Barry was out for a Sunday walk with his wife and daughter when he spotted the man struggling in the water. His wife called the Coastguard and Barry asked some onlookers to pass him a nearby lifebelt as he stripped to his underwear and headed into the water. Barry righted the vessel, using it to ferry the man to shore.

Filey lifeboat Tractor Driver Charles Baker and Newbiggin station Mechanic Richard Martin have received similar awards. See RNLI Compass North to find out more.