Volunteers of North Berwick’s RNLI team named their new lifeboat last Saturday as they also marked 200 years of the national institution, before an open day on the Sunday.

The brand-new D-Class lifeboat will replace their current one, Evelyn M (D-758), which has been in service for 11 years, saving nine lives and rescuing 157 others in more than 200 launches.

Evelyn M has now been retired, with her replacement being named SUNIJO; it will serve the town for the next 10 years.

Stewart Auld, chairman of North Berwick Lifeboat, said: “Crew members grow attached to their lifeboats, so whilst we are sad to see Evelyn M retire, we look forward to the next decade with SUNIJO.

“We thank Nigel and Patricia, on behalf of the town, for funding our new lifeboat and promise to take good care of her.”

The boat was donated by Nigel and Patricia Dewar Gibb, who live in the Glasgow area.

Their children – Susannah, Nigel and Joanna – inspired the name SUNIJO,  formed from the first two letters of their names.

The naming of the boat occurred in a ceremony at the harbour, attended by the donors, volunteers past and present as well as local and national dignitaries, community groups and business leaders. The ceremony was opened by crew member Vikki Selby.

Fiona Fell, deputy chair of the RNLI, accepted SUNIJO into the RNLI’s care, and handed her over to Ricky Martin, North Berwick’s lifeboat operations manager.

The Rev Dr Neil Dougall, the Rev Dr David Graham and the Rev Simon Metzner then led the service of dedication and blessing of SUNIJO, following a tradition that has seen 13 RNLI lifeboats named at North Berwick since 1860.

To add to the occasion, Nigel and Patricia named SUNIJO with a splash of uniquely labelled whisky for the occasion from a quaich presented by the North Berwick lifeboat crew as a gesture of their gratitude.

A cry of “three cheers for SUNIJO” rang through the assembled crowd before North Berwick Pipe Band led the newly anointed lifeboat down the slipway and then into the water.

Attendees at the event were also treated to seeing SUNIJO put through her paces. Sir Hew Dalrymple, honorary president of North Berwick RNLI, delivered the vote of thanks.

Mr Martin, North Berwick lifeboat operations manager, said: “The support of the local community and businesses over the last few days has been overwhelming.

“SUNIJO was the big attraction on the day, but we’d like to thank all the businesses and groups who supported us; the money we raised with your support will help train and equip crew members here in North Berwick.”