The Loch Lomond Rescue Boat crew used funds of more than £8,700 to buy equipment to improve the efficiency and quality of their rescues.

The charity is one of five Scottish sea rescue charities that was awarded funding for new equipment last month.

The Luss-based crew of 20 used £8,724.50 to buy six sets of dry suits and life jackets, two sets of intercoms, a heavy duty torch, waterproof binoculars, night vision goggles, a thermal imager – for night time calls – and two under water scopes.

With the new equipment, the crew will be kept safe and their search and rescue capabilities will be enhanced.

The volunteer crew previously had to communicate with sign-language as the noise of the boats made it almost impossible for them to shout.

James Macrae, treasurer of the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat, said: “Loch Lomond is the biggest piece of water in mainland which is still heavily used in Britain.

“We have only had our new equipment for a few weeks, but we are very grateful that we were given the money to purchase these aids.

“While a lot of our shouts are conducted in the light, these aids will help the night shouts and make it easier for crew to track down missing persons and attend to rescues just as quick.”

All crew members and staff for the charity are all unpaid.

The Loch Lomond Rescue Boat encourage and promote all aspects of safety in and around the waters of Loch Lomond.

The £1m grant pot is the latest round of the UK Government’s Department for Transport Rescue Boat Grant Fund. Since launching in 2014, the rescue grant has provided £5.7 million to 104 charities around the UK.

Douglas Ross, UK Government Minister for Scotland, said: “Our rescue boat grant fund is part of our ongoing support to those brave volunteers carrying out their lifesaving work.”