AN APPEAL has been launched for potentially life-saving defibrillators to be installed at each of East Lothian’s train stations.

Currently 56 stations across Scotland are fitted with the devices – but none of those are in East Lothian.

Now Craig Hoy, South Scotland MSP, has called for that to change.

It comes after Kevin Stewart MSP, Scotland’s transport minister, highlighted the number of stations equipped with a defibrillator.

The device gives a high-energy electric shock to the heart of someone in cardiac arrest.

The high-energy shock – called defibrillation – is an essential part of trying to save the life of someone in cardiac arrest.

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Mr Hoy told the Courier that having quick and easy access to the device on site in East Lothian train stations could help to save lives in an emergency.

The former East Lothian councillor said: “Having easy access to a defibrillator device can often be the difference between life and death.

“While it is welcome that over 50 stations in Scotland now have them on site, I am keen to ensure that staff and passengers using East Lothian stations have access to one, too.

“You never know when an emergency situation might arise, so having a defibrillator on hand to use before emergency services arrive would be of great help.

“I will continue to encourage SNP ministers to guarantee ScotRail will have the resources they need to roll out further defibrillator devices, including hopefully across East Lothian in the near future.”