Lifeboat crews in Scotland rescued an average of two people a day last year.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institute's (RNLI) annual rescue figures also reveal their boats responded to nearly 1,000 calls for help, which resulted in the rescue of 762 people.

They responded to calls from people cut off by the tide and water sports enthusiasts as well as stricken leisure and working boats

The more unusual rescues included a yacht with a coffin strapped to its deck and a family and their bunny who were rescued at Easter.

John Caldwell, Divisional Inspector for the RNLI in Scotland said: “During a time of financial uncertainty I hope that these statistics show people why the RNLI charity is asking for support.

“People from 45 communities around Scotland volunteer to crew RNLI lifeboats and last year rescued 762 people who for one reason or another needed our help. Over a third of these rescues took place in the dark and RNLI crew spent a total of 1,642 hours at sea going to the aid of people in need of rescue.

South Queensferry RNLI lifeboat crew rescued 75 people, the highest for RNLI lifeboat crews around Scotland. It was also the busiest inshore lifeboat in Scotland, setting out 54 times.

The charity is asking the public to support the service, which is staffed by volunteers and relies on donations to provide them with training and equipment.