HMG Paints, the UK’s leading independent paint manufacturer, is proud to continue its support of the Minutes Matter campaign. The campaign encourages the transformation of iconic red telephone boxes into vital community defibrillator stations, with paint manufacturers donating materials to help bring these icons back to life.
One such project recently took place in the small hamlet of Donaldson’s Lodge, Cornhill-on-Tweed. After BT decommissioned the local phone box, the Parish Council stepped in to preserve the familiar red kiosk under the “Adopt a Telephone Kiosk” scheme. The box was repurposed as a community book exchange, which quickly became a much-loved feature for both locals and visitors.
By early 2025, the kiosk had fallen into disrepair and was at risk of being removed altogether. A survey carried out by the Parish Council revealed strong support for keeping the kiosk as a book exchange, with many residents also suggesting that it could house a defibrillator, giving the project a new lease of life.
Elspeth Gilliland from the Parish Council reached out to HMG Paints for support, and with their experience in heritage restoration projects, HMG were more than happy to help. HMG supplied a paint system that is specifically suited for traditional telephone boxes, ensuring a durable finish that protects and enhances.
Rusted areas of the phone box were treated with Ferrozinc Rust for the initial prep. This was overcoated with two coats of HMG’s DG142 Synthetic high opacity undercoat, before being top coated with HMG Coach Enamel, in the iconic BS 381C 539 Currant Red.
Thanks to the dedication of the local community volunteers and the right products for the job, the kiosk has now been beautifully restored. It continues to operate as a book exchange, and the newly installed defibrillator is a valuable addition to the area.
Speaking of the project, Elspeth said,
“While we hope the defibrillator will never be needed, its presence could make a critical difference in an emergency. In regions like Donaldson’s Lodge, where homes and farms are spread out over long distances, having accessible defibrillators is incredibly important.”
Alyssia Thorburn of HMG said, “Projects like this remind us how colour and community care can truly bring landmarks back to life. We are proud to have played a small part in preserving a piece of British heritage while supporting local wellbeing.”
HMG Paints is encouraging more community support for the "Minutes Matter" campaign by sharing your Telephone box. If you have painted a Telephone Box and converted it to a Defibrillator station or even a community library, please share your images with us on social media using the hashtag #HMGpaints or tagging us using @HMGpaints. If you are planning to convert your community's phone box, please get in contact with HMG Paints, who will support with paint donations.
