The new civilian search and rescue (SAR) helicopter service based at Inverness Airport will begin operating from April 1, replacing the crews from RAF Lossiemouth.

Bristow Helicopters Ltd was awarded the ten year UK SAR contract by the Department for Transport in March 2013 and will deliver the service on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) from ten bases strategically located close to areas of high SAR incident rates.

In Scotland Prestwick will become operational in January 2016 and Sumburgh in Shetland and Stornoway in Lewis will follow in 2017.

At a ceremony at Inverness Airport to launch the new service, Richard Parkes, MCA's Director of Maritime Operations said: "I would also like to pay tribute to the outstanding work that RAF Lossiemouth has carried out over many decades, both inland and out to sea. We will ensure that their legacy is continued."