Police bosses have come under further pressure to ensure life-saving defibrillators are rolled out to patrol cars across the country.
Yesterday, it was announced that equipment funded by Gordon and Sandra McKandie’s campaign in memory of their son will be carried in the Highlands after a successful trial in the north-east.
However, the couple believe the development, which came six months after the end of a trial, has taken too long.
Now Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has backed the family’s desire for faster progress.
He said: “Given the success of the campaign I do hope it will soon be rolled out further.
“The sooner we can have police vehicles carrying defibrillators the sooner hopefully more lives can be saved.
“There is no doubt that the fundraising efforts by the family, supported by the wider community, are making a real difference and ensuring their son’s legacy helps others.”
Keiran McKandie was killed in March 2016 on the outskirts of Elgin when he was hit by a car while cycling.
Police who were sent to the accident did not have the equipment to treat the teenager while they waited 27 minutes for an ambulance to arrive.
Officers have been using 10 defibrillators across the north-east since February last year, which have been branded with Keiran’s nickname.
Road policing superintendent Louise Blakelock said: “We will continue to work with the charity and our partners, including the Scottish Ambulance Service.”
