A public access defibrillator has been installed in a north-east village in time for its annual fun run.
Pennan unveiled its heart-starting machine this week after a fundraising campaign by the local community council to furnish the village with the device.
Cash for the project was also donated by the Broch Rosehearty Gamrie (BRG) Coastal Challenge, which attracts hundreds of foot and bike racers to the area every year.
It now hoped that, should the machine ever be needed, it will help save someone’s life.
Bill Pitt, the chairman of Pennan’s community council, announced its arrival over the group’s social media.
It has been installed within a heated box outside the village hall.
He said: “This achievement would not have been possible without the generous support of the BRG Coastal Challenge and kind assistance from the Pennan Village Hall committee and Sandpiper Trust.
“If there is a cardiac emergency in or around Pennan and the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) is contacted, the SAS would not only dispatch an ambulance, but they would also inform the caller of the exact location, access information and proper use of the defibrillator if the situation requires.”
He added that training courses in CPR were currently being planned to provide extra cover for the community.
He added: “We will endeavour to arrange the timing of the course for a weekend this spring.”
The BRG Coastal Challenge attracts upwards of 200 people to the north-east each summer.
Every year it raises money for good causes, with competitors tasked with passing through Sandhaven, Pitullie and Pennan to complete a race from Fraserburgh to Gamrie.
In the past, charities who have benefited from the run have included Macmillan Cancer Support, Ucan and the Gardenstown Village Action Group.
The harbour trusts at Pitullie and Gamrie have also been assisted.
This year’s run takes place on August 19.
