An Edinburgh businessman has donated £50,000 to Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) in recognition of his friendship with one of the charity’s founding trustees.
Alan McFarlane, 56, a partner in investment management company Dundas Partners LLP, was taught to fly helicopters at Perth Airport five years ago.
Alan Bell, the pilot who trained him, is now one of the drivers behind Scotland’s new frontline emergency life-saving air ambulance.
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance is due to launch later this month, providing the country’s first and only charity-funded air ambulance helicopter.
The ground-breaking service will be based at Perth Airport and tasked and crewed by Scottish Ambulance Service paramedics.
“I wholeheartedly back what SCAA aims to do,” Mr McFarlane said. “It’s a really worthy cause. When they take to the air they will be flying hope and help to those most in need and they will undoubtedly save lives.
“The fact that the man who taught me how to fly a helicopter is one of the driving forces behind the charity makes it even more appealing.”
Mr McFarlane added: “Learning to fly a helicopter took me away from all the stresses and pressures of the financial world during pretty tough times.
“When you’re a novice at the controls you can’t think about anything else. It was a complete escape. It kept me sane and proved very therapeutic.
“It’s no surprise therefore that I have a very positive attitude towards helicopters and towards my extremely patient and understanding instructor.”
Mr McFarlane’s regular lessons with Mr Bell forged a strong friendship and now the businessman is keen to help the fledgling helicopter air ambulance charity get off the ground.
“We can’t thank Alan enough for his support, generosity and vision,” Mr Bell said. “As a helicopter pilot himself, he instantly recognised the benefits of the charity to communities right across Scotland.
“He is also a very astute businessman and knows that a charity such as SCAA needs a lot of corporate backing to get it going. We’re delighted that he has come on board as a key supporter.”
Mr McFarlane keeps his own personal helicopter a Robinson 44 at Perth Airport. His son James also trained with Alan Bell and is now a commercial helicopter pilot operating in the North Sea.