A SCHOOLBOY sailor is in the running for a prestigious national award.

Ruaraidh Purves (pictured) is one of the finalists for the Class Academy Sailor of the Year at the RYA Scotland Awards.

The national awards take place at The Falkirk Wheel on Saturday and celebrate people who make a difference across the recreational and competitive boating community in Scotland.

Twelve-year-old Ruaraidh, who lives in North Berwick, is one of the finalists in the category, which aims to highlight some of the sailors who are just starting out into competitive sailing.

The youngster, known as Roo, was “surprised and thrilled” to be nominated for the award.

He first joined East Lothian Yacht Club two years ago and since then has competed at the club and throughout Scotland.

Ruaraidh had a bad start to the year as he finished only one race at the Spring Championships.

Since then, he has practised, raced, tinkered on his boat and obsessed about Topper racing every day.

The S1 pupil at North Berwick High School has supported club racing regularly and assisted with the social sailing on Fridays to become a real credit to the club, which is based in the town.

He is now starting to win races against some very competent adults at the club and gaining some great results in the Topper class racing.

This included finishing fourth at the youth and junior championships aged just 11.