A RECENTLY installed defibrillator and the speedy actions of hotel staff saved the life of a Borders man during his birthday getaway.

Gordon Armstrong was being treated to a 50th birthday break by his wife, Karen, earlier this month in the Highlands.

But the local authority worker from Kelso suffered a cardiac arrest as he sat down for lunch on the Sunday at the Isles of Glencoe Hotel near Ballachulish.

Only the quick thinking of waitress Kinga Puskas-Mozes and receptionist Gary Flood saved Gordon's life.

Wife Karen told us: "Gordon had started to feel unwell, so I alerted Kinga who came running and phoned for an ambulance.

"My husband was complaining of a tightness in his chest and arm and said they were so hot it felt like they were on fire.

"Within a couple of minutes his skin had turned grey and then he passed out.

"Kinga already had the defibrillator ready and Gary gave him the kiss of life."

As a policy of the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels group, which includes the Isles of Glencoe, defibrillators are being installed and and staff trained in their use as well as first aid.

The life-saving kit had just been installed at the picturesque Ballachulish hotel in August.

Karen added: "This defibrillator had only been installed for about eight weeks and thank goodness it was there.

"I can’t thank these two people enough for saving my husband's life.

"We will return at some time in the near future to say a personal thank you."

Ms Puskas-Mozes explained that in less than a minute Mr Armstrong had gone from appearing 'not too bad' to slouched on the couch.

The waitress said: "He started going red and pale and his pulse was through the roof.

"Things happened so fast after that.

"Thankfully I already had the defibrillator beside me and was also able to do chest compressions.

"It must have been very scary for his wife and we were so relieved when we saw the ambulance arrive.

"It is very difficult to put into words what it is like seeing someone possibly dying right in front of you.

"All you can do is your best and hope for a good outcome."

After being taken to the Belford Hospital in Fort William, Mr Armstrong was transferred to the Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

Following surgery, he was allowed home to Kelso last week.

Hotel manager Lynne Banks said: 'We are very proud of both Kinga and Gary, and pleased they were able to help Mr Armstrong and that he is recovering."