Family's pride at top honour for customs officer killed in Moray Firth drugs operation 30 years ago

Alastair Soutar was fatally injured in Operation Balvenie off the Caithness coast.

The former Royal Navy engineer became trapped between HM Customs Cutter (HMCC) Sentinel and a cannabis smugglers’ vessel, Ocean Jubilee.

He died in Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, on July 29, 1996 and was posthumously awarded a second Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.

This week Mr Soutar’s family received the Elizabeth Emblem - the civilian equivalent of the military Elizabeth Cross - which recognises public servants killed in the line of duty.

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In a statement, Mr Soutar’s family said: “We are proud to accept the Elizabeth Emblem honouring our Dad.

“It’s still humbling to hear of the many ways he is remembered even after all these years.

“Whilst we would much rather still have Dad with us, it is an honour to remember him with pride.”

The Customs operation led to the sentencing of nine criminals.

During the trial, Judge Lord Dawson paid tribute to the officers involved, saying they “exemplified the highest traditions” of their service.

He also offered his condolences to the family and colleagues of “that heroic officer, Alastair Soutar”, and said: “You have every reason to be proud of him”.

JP Marks, HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) Chief Executive and Permanent Secretary, presented emblem and scroll to Mr Soutar’s family.

Former colleagues - some of whom served alongside Mr Soutar on HMCC Sentinel - also attended. Tributes were given and uniformed Border Security Command cutter crew paid their respects.

Speaking at the presentation to recognise Alastair’s bravery and service at Queen Elizabeth House in Edinburgh, JP Marks, said: “Today is about remembrance, recognition and gratitude.

“It is an opportunity to honour Alastair Soutar’s courage, his commitment to duty, and the example he set for colleagues across HM Customs and Excise and now HMRC.

“No award can ever fully reflect the loss felt by a family, or the impact of a life cut short.

“But I hope today demonstrates that Alastair’s service, bravery and sacrifice continue to be remembered by the department he served.”

Mr Soutar’s family added: “We’d like to express our thanks to JP Marks and all dad’s former colleagues and friends.”

The Elizabeth Emblem carries the inscription ‘For A Life Given In Service’ along with Alastair’s name.

Alastair’s nomination was announced on July 4, 2025 and was presented following approval by the George Cross Committee and His Majesty The King.

Mr Soutar joined HM Customs and Excise in 1985, following a career in the Royal Navy as an engineer.

At the time of his death, he served as a Customs Investigation Officer working on HM Customs Cutters at Marine Branch, Dundee.

After six years with HM Customs and Excise, Alastair received the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct for his role in rescuing five people whose vessel had capsized during gale force winds.

In 2024 the UK Government announced the introduction of The Elizabeth Emblem, named in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.

The design incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, surrounding the Tudor Crown.

This commemorative emblem is awarded as a mark of recognition to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the course of undertaking eligible public service.

In July 2026, The Elizabeth Emblem was awarded to the family of Peter Bennett, a Customs Investigation Officer shot and killed during a drug smuggling operation in 1979.