Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance has cancelled all public engagements as a result of the coronavirus

A charity has cancelled all public engagements as a result of the coronavirus.

Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) today announced that has cancelled its public events for the foreseeable future in line with Government advice regarding Covid-19.

The country's only charity-funded air ambulance embarks on hundreds of public engagement and fundraising activities throughout the year to raise awareness of the charity and attract funding support for its life-saving service.

Charity bosses say that while the spread of Coronavirus remains an issue, however, these activities will be stopped and a focus given to maintaining the emergency response frontline service.

SCAA chief executive David Craig said: "As the coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate, our key priority remains to ensure that we sustain our air ambulance services for communities across Scotland 365 days of the year. Although we are disappointed to have to cancel all non-essential activities for the foreseeable future, we are confident that it is the right action to take at this time.

"Given the current situation with Covid-19 and recent advice from the NHS regarding social distancing, Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance has therefore moved to cancel all future events, social gatherings and meetings until further notice.

"We hope the public will understand our position and continue to support us in the amazing way they always have to ensure we keep flying for those most in need."

Since launching in 2013, SCAA has responded to nearly 2,500 emergencies all across Scotland and its many islands. Many of these have involved critical illness or injury where speed has proved a life-saving factor.

The charity is due to launch a second helicopter air ambulance next month in Aberdeen - supporting its existing helicopter at Perth.