Newcastleton First Responders Mark 20 Years of Lifesaving Service

That the Parliament congratulates Newcastleton First Responders on celebrating 20 years of service to the Newcastleton and the wider Liddesdale community; understands that the group was established in 2006 after the Liddesdale Ladies Amenities Group raised funds for a defibrillator for the village and that nine local volunteers subsequently came forward to undertake a training weekend, enabling the First Responders group to be established; recognises the dedication of the volunteers, who have given their time over the past two decades to respond to medical emergencies and provide potentially lifesaving assistance in their rural community; acknowledges what it sees as the particularly important role that community first responders can play in remote and rural areas, working alongside the Scottish Ambulance Service to provide support when it is most needed; recognises Katrina Skelton and Susan Armstrong, who have been involved with the group since its beginnings, for their longstanding commitment to the community; commends the original volunteers and everyone who has subsequently served with and supported Newcastleton First Responders; recognises the community spirit that has sustained the group for 20 years, and wishes Newcastleton First Responders, and all of its volunteers, continued success for the future.