The legacy was left by the late Mrs Catherine Isabelle Barr at the request it be used to fund a lifeboat for use in Scottish waters and to be named in memory of her husband John Buchanan Barr M.B.E (Mil) M.D.

The lifesaving charity has taken the decision to earmark this generous legacy to fund the next Portpatrick all weather lifeboat. It is expected that this will be a Tamar class lifeboat, the RNLI's most technologically advanced all weather lifeboat.

The new lifeboat will replace the current Tyne class lifeboat Mary Irene Millar at the end of her service life, which is expected to be within the next five years depending on the financial climate and operational considerations.

Mrs Barr's cousin Brenda Winterbotham, who lives in Surrey, said: "I am delighted personally that my cousin has made this her primary beneficiary in her will, there could not be a better memorial to their busy and caring lives. They visited Portpatrick every year and knew the area very well. Both loved the sea, frequently went to Lochinver to fish. John was also connected with the Western Isles in his professional capacity"

Robert Erskine, Coxswain of Portpatrick RNLI lifeboat said:"Everyone associated with Portpatrick RNLI lifeboat is delighted to accept the news of the next new lifeboat and it is also amazing that Doctor Michael Thompson who named the Mary Irene Millar was actually here recently with his wife, 19 years after his first visit. They are very happy that we are to receive a new boat. It will involve more training for which we are grateful for all donations towards our crew training appeal."

Isla Dewar, National fundraising and Communications Manager for the RNLI in Scotland said: "The RNLI is extremely grateful for this generous gift. As a charity we rely on every penny donated by the public and businesses to help provide our volunteer lifeboat crews with the equipment and training they need to continue saving lives at sea."

John and Catherine Barr married in 1940 and he husband spent much of teh war as a front line medic, serving in North Africa, Sicily and mainland italy, rising to the rank of Major. The Barrs, who had no children, lived in Bearsden, near Glasgow. John died in 2003, aged 93 and Catherine died in January, aged 98.