An Aberdeenshire couple have paid for a defibrillator to be installed in their home village in memory of their son.
Alistair and Fiona Rait made the generous donation after discovering the local rotary club were fundraising to install the life-saving device throughout the community.
Their son Simon Rait tragically passed away in 1999, aged just 12, after a road accident.
As it was the 20th anniversary of his death this year, the couple wanted to do something to mark it.
Mrs Rait said: “We did it in Simon’s memory. He was involved in a traffic accident and he couldn’t be saved.
“We’ve stayed in Blackburn for 26 years and it was also about giving something back to the community.
“I think its great to have these devices in small villages because they can make a huge difference before an ambulance arrives.
“If it can save one person’s life then it is worthwhile. It is there if it is needed and may help save a life and prevent someone from feeling the pain of loosing a loved one.
An event to mark the unveiling of the defibrillator was held in Kinellar Hall by members of Blackburn and District Rotary Club.
CPR training was provided by first responders and Sandpiper Wildcat volunteers.
The club has arranged for three public access defibrillators to be installed in Blackburn.
Secretary Carol Mackie said: “I went to Fintry and they had a public access defibrillator and it occurred to me that Blackburn didn’t.
“We have identified what we think are the best spots that will give people a good chance of getting to the defibrillators.”
John Grant, 43, started volunteering for the Sandpiper Wildcats in 2017.
He added: “The three minute window is vital.
“The more awareness we raise, and the more people we get feeling confident they could do CPR, the better.
“If I’m just sitting in the house watching telly and have something in the car and an app on my phone that lets me give back to the community, then why not.”
The public access defibrillators are located at Blackburn Pharmacy, at the Kinghorn Bodyshop and at Kinellar Hall.
