THE YOUNGEST section of an East Lothian Scouting Group has installed a lifesaving external defibrillator at a local village hall as part of a wider campaign to improve first responder facilities across Gullane.
The new defibrillator is the second external defibrillator enabled by a fundraising initiative by the Gullane Beavers and was supported by the British Heart Foundation and a £1000 donation from Cala Homes (East).
Stationed at Gullane Village Hall and available for use by the wider community – the new defibrillator will be accessible 24/7, helping to provide lifesaving first aid at any time of the day or night.
A third external defibrillator which was funded separately is also available at the Astro sports pitch in Gullane.
The Beaver Leader said: “The village hall is a widely used community space in a high footfall area within the town, so having an external defibrillator here is crucial.
“To now have three external defibrillators and with plans for a fourth, in a town as small as Gullane is an outstanding achievement and will undoubtedly help save lives for many years to come.
We’re incredibly proud of all our beavers and grateful for all the support received so far.”
Starting with a letter writing campaign to request support from the community back in May 2019, the Gullane Beavers have now raised sufficient funds to facilitate external defibrillators to be installed at Gullane Village Hall and Gullane Golf Club.
In addition the Gullane Beavers are hoping to install a further external defibrillator, near
Gullane Beach car park with help from the Sandpiper Trust – a not for profit charity that helps improve first responder equipment in rural areas – which will mark the final phase of the campaign.
Danny Owenson, Site Manager with CALA Homes (East), said: “We are delighted to assist such a worthwhile cause in a town we have such a strong affiliation with.
“The Beavers have done a great job with this initiative and we’re honoured to have played a small part in providing such vital equipment for the wider community.”
CALA has a long history working in the Gullane area – contributing more than £3.3 million in section 75 contributions to date.
Saltcoats Grange by CALA Homes (East) is due to launch to market over the coming months – offering a mixed variety of properties suitable for a variety of lifestyles – including 38 affordable homes.
