Highland lifeboat crew witness 'memorable' Northern Lights during first launch of the year

A Highland lifeboat crew witnessed a “memorable” Northern Lights display during their first launch of the year on Monday night.

Invergordon RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat ‘Agnes AP Barr’ was dispatched to take part in a multi-agency search along the Moray Firth spanning between Nairn and Burghead at around 6.30pm.

The lifeboat worked alongside HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 851 and shore-based Coastguard Rescue Teams (CRT), who carried out coordinated searches along the coastline.

After an extensive search, nothing of concern was found and the operation was stood down.

The Northern Lights over the Moray Firth. RNLI Invergordon

Crews managed to catch a dazzling display of the Aurora Borealis in the sky over the Moray Firth.

Invergordon RNLI spokesperson Michael MacDonald said: “This was our first launch of the year and demonstrated the importance of effective multi-agency working.

“Although nothing was found, it was reassuring to see all agencies working closely together. The Northern Lights were an unexpected but memorable sight for our volunteer crew.”