Findochty Community Council’s inaugural Lucky Squares raffle has raised enough money to purchase a new battery and replacement pads for the Town Hall defibrillator, following an enthusiastic response from residents and the wider community.

All 100 squares were sold at £5 each, raising £500 in total. The draw took place on Saturday 23rd May at The Admirals pub in Findochty, with a member of the public selecting the winning numbers.

The three prize winners were Peter Gates (1st prize), Alec Forsyth (2nd prize) and Annette Jappy (3rd prize).

First prize winner Peter Gates was presented with his prize by FCC Chair Anne Bolton Braidwood outside Findochty Town Hall, next to the defibrillator that the fundraiser set out to support. Peter wins a guided tour of the Glenfiddich Distillery for two, with transport from the Buckie area provided by Kenny Gunn, along with a bottle of 18-year-old Glenfiddich Single Malt whisky, kindly donated by Findochty resident James Gardiner. Second prize winner Alec Forsyth receives a meal for two at The Admirals, Findochty, to the value of £75, and third prize winner Annette Jappy receives a £50 Moray Gift Card, spendable at 271 retailers across Moray.

FCC Treasurer Paul Kerrison said: “We are delighted with the response from the community. The Lucky Squares format worked really well and we are grateful to everyone who took part, shared the posts, and helped us reach our target. The new battery and pads will ensure the Town Hall defibrillator is fully operational and ready should it ever be needed.”

The defibrillator is located on the exterior wall of Findochty Town Hall and is available for use by any member of the public in an emergency.