SCOTLAND’S FIRST charity air ambulance is on the road to success following its latest fundraising boost.
Stagecoach has pledged £100,000 to the life-saving project, helping it move closer to its ambitious £1.5 million target.
Over the next five years, Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) will receive an annual donation of £20,000 from the Perth transport group.
Chief executive Sir Brian Souter said he was “delighted” to support the venture, which will operate alongside the Scottish Ambulance Service’s two publicly-funded helicopters based in Glasgow and Inverness.
“This air ambulance will help support the wonderful job done by our emergency services at the moment,” he added.
“We are delighted to be able to support the launch of this important new service, which will help save lives and make a real difference to people across Scotland.”
The campaign for the air ambulance, which will be based at Perth Airport, launched last November and has already attracted donations from a number of local firms, including Stagecoach and Balhousie Care Group.
Those behind SCAA are hopeful that the new service will take off in the spring, to offer a more extensive frontline emergency response for Scotland.
Chairman of the charity John Bullough said he was “extremely grateful” for the support.
He said: “As a major transport operator, Stagecoach knows the vital need for speedy response when things go wrong.
“SCAA will enhance and expand immediate emergency medical response across Scotland, saving lives and bringing vital relief to those most in need.
“When Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance launches for service in spring, it will be flying into the heart of every community in the country, but we can’t do it without the support of the public and business community.
“Stagecoach has provided a fantastic donation which will help this lifesaving charity fly.”
As well as the £1.5m needed to launch the helicopter, a further £1.5m will be needed each year to keep it in the air, money which the charity hopes will come from corporations, trusts, businesses, communities and the public.
For further information about the SCAA campaign, which has been backed by The Courier, go online to scaa.org.uk.
sgray@thecourier.co.uk