A campaign to install lifesaving equipment in every high street in the country has earned a Kinross couple a national award.
The Butchers at the Heart of the Community initiative was set up by Iain and Pamela Hunter, owners of Hunters in Kinross, following the death of one of their customers.
They raised money for a defibrillator outside the shop and less than two years later 25 butchers have done the same, while a further 60 are raising funds to follow suit.
The Hunters’ campaign, in partnership with Perth-based Scottish Craft Butchers, has now been recognised with the prize for innovation at the UK Butchers Shop of the Year Awards.
Pamela said: “I’m so proud of those butchers who have taken the leap and joined our initiative so far.
“We have 85 butchers taking part in our initiative – that’s 85 high streets which will have lifesaving equipment accessible to all in the hearts of communities.
“However, there are 400 Scottish Craft Butcher members across Scotland so there is plenty more work to be done.”
The initiative also includes training in CPR for staff. It has been supported by TV presenter Carole Smillie and Lord Ian Duncan, Under Secretary of State for Scotland.
Pamela added: “By being CPR aware and fitting defibrillators outside shops in communities, lives will be saved.
“I’d like to continue driving the initiative forward and encouraging the thousands of craft butchers across the rest of the UK to do the same.
“It’s great to see butcher shops and communities working together. Butchers are the ‘hearts of the communities’, so let’s help them help their communities help save lives.”
The accolade was welcomed by Luke Graham, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, who took Pamela and Iain to Westminster while they were in London for the award ceremony.
He said: “I was delighted to hear that the fantastic team at Hunters of Kinross had won this award and to welcome them to parliament to celebrate their success.
“It is just recognition for the incredible life-saving work they have done to ensure defibrillators are available on our high streets and how butchers still are at the heart of our communities.”
