​New tie-in opens up support for air ambulance

Landowners have formed a unique partnership with Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) to support the charity’s lifesaving work.

Scottish Land and Estates is offering its support to the SCAA as the organisation looks to progress its vital services for a third year.

It will do this in a number of way including funding, marketing initiatives and a joint initiative to recognise safe landing zones on members’ land throughout Scotland.

Since its launch in 2013, the SCAA has responded to nearly 600 time-critical callouts from its base at Perth.

A large number of these callouts have been to rural areas, with the helicopter flying anywhere in Scotland – as and when asked through the 999 service – and proving vital during emergencies where land-based ambulances can be restricted by distance, travel time, flood, landslides, weather or inaccessible terrain.

The helicopter has proven it can save lives

Scottish Land and Estates chief executive, Douglas McAdam, said: “Anyone who lives or works in rural Scotland or visits rural areas benefits from the security of knowing SCAA is there – even if they have not used it.

“This vital frontline service is key to our members’ businesses with regards to the health and safety of staff and guests in isolated rural locations, as well as being vital to their families and the local community.

“The people who use estates recreationally for activities such as walking, mountain biking, fishing and horse-riding also benefit from the added air ambulance capacity offered in Scotland by SCAA.

"The helicopter – which relies on us all for funding – has proven that it can save lives by reducing attendance times, particularly where the geography and topography of the land is a factor.

"The first hour in such cases is critical to saving lives.”

The announcement of the new partnership comes as SLE launches a number of new membership categories.

Three new categories – supporters, equestrian and student – have been established in response to a rising demand to access the services of Scottish Land & Estates.

As part of each of these three categories, a £10 donation from the membership subscription will be made by members which will be passed onto SCAA.

McAdam added: “Our existing membership categories were not always ideal for everyone but we hope by broadening the categories available, more people can play their part in a successful rural Scotland and at the same time, support Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance in doing so.”