NISSAN has created a oneâoff, rescueâready version of its topâselling Qashqai crossover for Caithness Seal Rehabilitation and Release, a coastal wildlife sanctuary based near John O'Groats.

The specially-equipped Qashqai, powered by Nissan's eâPOWER hybrid technology, has become an essential tool for the sanctuary's founders, Phil and Clare Boardman, and their team of volunteers.

The charity rescues seal pups that are injured, have been abandoned, or have fallen ill. It restores them to full health, and returns them safely to the ocean. Since its foundation in 2022, more than 130 pups have been nursed and released back into the wild.

As part of its ‘eâPOWERING Britain's Heroes' initiative, Nissan collaborated closely with the charity to configure a Qashqai capable of handling remote terrain, unpredictable weather and longâdistance callouts.

The N-Connecta grade model with Google Built-in for ease of navigation has ProPILOT assist with Navi-Link for comfort on long journeys and Around View Monitor for safely making tight manoeuvres.

The car also includes Nissan's latest advanced safety technologies, each one supporting the demands of coastal rescue work.

Intelligent Front Emergency Braking with Pedestrian, Cycle and Junction Assist helps keep volunteers safe on narrow rural roads often shared with dog walkers, cyclists and agricultural vehicles. Lane Departure Warning reduces fatigueârelated risks during urgent callouts at all hours across long stretches of open road, while Intelligent Cruise Control supports stable and predictable driving during extended journeys to remote bays and coves.

Before arriving in Caithness, the vehicle underwent additional modifications tailored to seal rescue operations.

Allâseason tyres improve traction on rugged coastline tracks and wet, algaeâcovered slipways. A waterproof bootliner ensures a safe and hygienic environment at the point of rescue.

Roofbars were installed to carry emergency stretchers and rescue nets, while a towbar adds further flexibility and comes into its own when seals are released back into the wild from a trailer. Emergency lighting and bold rescue livery ensure the vehicle is easily identifiable during callouts.

Capable of 64.2 miles per gallon and a range of up to 777 miles per tank, it helps significantly reduce operating costs for the charity. Nissan further supported the sanctuary with a direct financial donation through the ‘eâPOWERING Britain's Heroes' programme.

Phil and Clare Boardman often travel long distances across northern Scotland, covering the 200-plus mile coastline from Ullapool in the west to Tain in the east, to reach seals in distress. The quietness of the eâPOWER system is ideal to create a calm environment for transporting seals, which can become stressed by loud noise.

The vehicle, loaned for four months free of charge, delivers EVâlike smoothness with petrolâpowered range. The wheels are driven purely by an electric motor, meaning the sanctuary benefits from silent, responsive performance without the need to plug in.

The sanctuary's founders are committed environmentalists and hope to use fully electric vehicles in the future. However, the vast distances involved - combined with unpredictable callouts - mean that a hybrid provides the most reliable, readyâtoârespond solution today.

Cedric Benouarieche, head of product marketing (passenger vehicles) at Nissan Motors GB, said: ‘‘Our latest eâPOWER technology delivers EVâlike refinement with the convenience of petrol and range of a diesel. It's fantastic to see the Caithness team putting the Qashqai to work where it really matters, helping protect Scotland's coastal wildlife. We're proud to support Phil, Clare and their incredible volunteers."