A north-east businessman has donated two lifesaving defibrillators to his community.
Hebbie Fowlie, who runs butchers Bert Fowlie in Strichen, bought the machines following a campaign to train up first responders in the village and to coincide with the 60th anniversary of his shop.
Interested members of the public who want to be able to react to medical emergencies are now being invited to attend a training session next month.
Last night, Mr Fowlie said the £3,000 machines were a fitting tribute to his dad Bert, who died of a heart attack three years ago.
The late Mr Fowlie served an apprenticeship in Strichen before taking own the High Street shop as his own in 1955.
He was instrumental in restoring the village’s parkland.
“Instead of doing anything silly with our anniversary, we decided to buy a couple of defibrillators to give back to the village,” Mr Fowlie said.
“Gavin Packham, who is the village doctor, has helped me to pick them and we’ve bought two. Both will be in the village for that extra bit of security – one at the community park which meant a lot to my father who instigated its development, and one at the shop here itself.
“We just felt, as a business, this would be good way of celebrating. A course has now been organised for July 2 at the Ritchie Hall, with the idea that we can train people with them. If there is anything that occurs, they can feel more comfortable using them.
“Strichen has a great community spirit and seems to look after itself, but the more we can do for the village the better.”
People who would like to attend the training session are asked to call the shop on 01771 637234 to reserve their place.
The training will be completed at the village’s Ritchie Hall between 10am and 4pm.
