A machine with lifesaving potential has been installed in the centre of a north-east town.
The Baker Hughes charity has donated four defibrillators to the Stonehaven and District Community Council and the first of these is now operational in Market Square.
The inspiration and drive behind the initiative came from Baker Hughes employee, John Trudgill, whose brother, Peter, died at Stonehaven Harbour two years ago.
The second of the defibrillators will be installed at the RNLI Boat Shed in the Harbour early next year.
Phil Mills-Bishop, the chairman of the Stonehaven and District Community Council, explained how the bequest had happened.
He said: “John Trudgill was there from Baker Hughes to present us with the defibrillator.
“His brother died in Stonehaven harbour in 2014, but if there had been a defibrillator, it could have saved his life.
“It’s been quite an effort to get them installed, because we have had to apply for planning permission and wait for it to be approved.
“We are hoping that this defibrillator could save lives, there will be huge footfall in the centre of Stonehaven over the Christmas period.
“The device is fitted with a code, so if people call an ambulance, it will know exactly where the person is and will be able to give them a code.
“There have been four donated and we are hoping to get the remaining two in a leisure centre and a secondary school.”
The device has been fitted with a box as part of an effort to fend off vandals and thieves.
Earlier this year, defibrillators were stolen from Newtonhill and Oldmeldrum.
Mr Mills-Bishop added: “I would plead to people: ‘please do not vandalise this device.’
“It could save your life, or your parents’ life, of the life of your friend who thinks it’s fun to vandalise it.”