Funded by Cruden as part of its community benefit commitment, the defibrillator has been installed at one of the entrances to the Howdenburn development, a £15 million partnership with Scottish Borders Housing Association that has delivered 70 energy-efficient affordable homes.

Michael Palethorpe, production & community benefit manager at Cruden, said: “Partnership working has been central to the success of the Howdenburn development, and this is another great example of how working together can create lasting benefits for the communities where we build.

“We’re proud to have funded the installation of the defibrillator, and to have worked alongside SBHA and Jed Hearts Here to bring the project to fruition. While we all hope it’s never needed, it’s reassuring to know it’s there.” 

Officially opened earlier this year, Howdenburn is the largest development ever delivered by Scottish Borders Housing Association and has transformed the former Howdenburn Primary School site into a new neighbourhood for local families. 

Debby Gillett, development manager at Scottish Borders Housing Association, said: “Having a publicly accessible defibrillator on site is a valuable addition for our residents and the surrounding area, and we’re grateful to Cruden for funding the installation and to Jed Hearts Here for helping to make it possible.”

Jed Hearts Here is dedicated to increasing access to defibrillators and improving awareness of cardiac arrest across the Scottish Borders.

Rory Stewart from the charity said: “We know that having quick access to a defibrillator can make a vital difference during a cardiac arrest. Every new installation strengthens the network of publicly accessible defibrillators across the Borders and helps ensure more communities have access to this life-saving equipment.”