THE crew of the Largs lifeboat was called out to rescue a yacht with eight people on board after it ran aground on a notorious blackspot off the North Ayrshire coast.

The lifeboat was called out after an alert from HM Coastguard shortly before 1pm on Saturday, October 14.

By the time the yacht was located, at Brigurd Spit, near Hunterston Power Station, it was, according to the lifeboat crew, "just afloat".

A member of the lifeboat crew boarded the yacht to help check for water ingress, but with no obvious signs of any damage, the yacht, once fully afloat, was able to return to Largs Yacht Haven under its own power for a full inspection.

Dave Stevens, volunteer helm on the Largs lifeboat, said: "We would like to remind people to check weather and tide times before venturing out on the water and always check local signage and navigation charts for hidden dangers and hazards.

"If you get into difficulty at sea or along the coast, or spot someone else in trouble, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."