Stagecoach drives fundraising appeal towards Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance
The charity is trying to raise £6 million for a second air ambulance
Last updated 16th May 2018
Perth-based Stagecoach has pledged £125,000 towards the fundraising drive for a second charity air ambulance for Scotland.
The bus giant is backing the bid by pledging the cash for each of the next three years towards the new helicopter.
Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance currently operates the country's only charity-funded helicopter air ambulance, and recently revealed plans to raise £6 million for a second.
Stagecoach Chairman Sir Brian Souter visited the charity's Perth Airport to pledge the funds.
He said: "Over the years the helicopter has helped to save many lives and Stagecoach is delighted to be the first corporate partner to announce dedicated funding towards the new helicopter."
Since launching operations from their Perth Airport base five years ago, SCAA's sole helicopter has responded to over 1,700 time-critical emergencies from Orkney to the Borders and the Hebrides to the East coast.
SCAA chairman John Bullough believes this funding boost by Stagecoach will prove the perfect springboard for their public appeal.
He said: "Stagecoach Group has been a great supporter of our work since the beginning and their input helped provide Scotland with our first charity-funded air ambulance in 2013.
"This tremendous new commitment of support will help secure a second helicopter to save and improve the lives of those most in need throughout the whole of Scotland.
"We are deeply indebted to Sir Brian and everyone at Stagecoach for their support - something which will be heralded across Scotland thanks to their newly unveiled SCAA branded bus."
SCAA Chief Executive David Craig said: "The public - as well as companies, trusts and foundations - have kept SCAA flying for five years and allowed the charity to become a sustainable and vital player in pre-hospital care.
"We now need their support more than ever as we work towards launching a second air ambulance that can aid those seriously ill or injured wherever they are in Scotland."