'It's important people know it’s here': Maryhill Burgh Halls installs defibrillator

Maryhill Burgh Halls installed the life-saving device after a generous donation from local police officers.

Melanie Farrow, Maryhill Burgh Halls manager, said: "Police Scotland asked us if we wanted to take it and put it up in the hall after raising the funds and that is how it came about.

“It is definitely a good addition.

“It’s great to have it based in the community so that people have access to it. We are open for quite long hours during the day and into the night so it's important people know that it’s here.

“When someone has a heart attack or heart issues, the quicker they get help, the better."

READ MORE: Glasgow's Maryhill Community Tennis Club teases well-anticipated opening after refurb

Melanie Farrow and Aurora Segnan, halls assistant (Image: Mark F Gibson)

The defibrillator can save lives (Image: Mark F Gibson)

The community space is frequently used by local residents for events, classes and celebrations.

Volunteers and staff say the new device will help people feel safer in the building, knowing that they can now respond to a medical emergency.

Ms Farrow added: “We have families and people of all ages coming along, including our own groups and ones we work with.

“It’s also not just for older people, because young people can also have a heart attack.

“We are really grateful having been considered and selected to have it based here, we are really pleased.”

It was donated by Police Scotland (Image: Mark F Gibson)

Maryhill Burgh Halls (Image: Mark F Gibson)

READ MORE: Glasgow's Maryhill Community Tennis Club teases well-anticipated opening after refurb

Sergeant Alan Freeland, from Maryhill Police Station, said: “Officers from the local Community Policing Team took part in a sponsored cycle around the Isle of Arran to raise money for a publicly-accessible defibrillator, which could benefit the people of Maryhill.

“As well as funding the purchase of the defibrillator, the money raised has provided five years’ worth of pads and batteries, to ensure the longevity of use.

"I would also like to thank Thomas Renicks Electrical Services for installing the device at the Burgh Halls free of charge.

“I am very proud of the team’s efforts and was honoured to take part alongside them.”