Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) has appointed its first volunteer regional “ambassador”.
Forfar businessman James Gray-Cheape (44) will become their spokesman in Angus, encouraging others to raise awareness of, and funds for, the ambitious project.
The national charity will provide Scotland with its first charity-funded air ambulance helicopter, based at Perth Airport.
Mr Gray-Cheape’s appointment marks the first step in creating a nationwide network of ambassadors to promote the life-saving frontline service.
A former army officer whose family home is at Carse Gray, near Forfar, he returned to Scotland after serving eight years in The Queen’s Own Highlanders followed by a successful entrepreneurial business career in Africa and Eastern Europe.
As chairman of a thriving international transportation and logistics company, Mr Gray-Cheape is able to operate from his Angus home and is delighted to devote time to the fledgling new charity.
“SCAA is a perfect fit for everything I believe in,” he said. “The capability to get injured and seriously ill people to specialist medical and surgical care as quickly as possible is something I wholeheartedly support.
“Scotland’s charity-funded air ambulance will operate alongside the Scottish Ambulance Service’s two Government-funded helicopters and provide resilience and flexibility to the benefit of everyone in Scotland.
“No one knows when tragedy or mishap may strike and a helicopter air ambulance becomes the best chance of survival for you, a friend, relative or colleague.
“I intend to work hard to spread the word about the country’s newest fast-response medical air support and help them raise the £1.5 million needed each year to keep them airborne.
“As a ninth generation Angus farming family, I am all too aware of the dreadful accidents that can befall farmers as well as other rural residents and visitors.
“All incidents, especially those that occur on either the A90 or within the Angus Glens, will now be able to benefit by the addition of this fast response medical support.”