WATCH: Sutherland Lord-Lieutenant's touching flag tribute to RNLI on its 200th anniversary today

Sutherland Lord-Lieutenant Patrick Marriott has paid to the Royal Naval Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) on the occasion of its 200th anniversary today.

Major General Marriott, the former Commandant of the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, raised two signal flags in the grounds of his home in Littleferry, Golspie.

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He said: "The signal flags 'B' and 'Z' signify congratulations, although more correctly it means "execution well carried out.

"The RNLI has saved countless lives in its 200 years - and much of that will have involved great courage. So today, here's a proper salute to the courage and selfless dedication of the RNLI."

Major General Marriott added that for Sutherland, the RNLI meant the Lochinver boat – named the Julian and Margaret Leonard – led by Coxswain David Macaskill and his "superb crew". He went on to say the tribute was also for the crew's support team and "very importantly" their families.

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