The charity now has two bases across Scotland.
A Scottish emergency services charity is celebrating 10 years of operations, pledging to continue for another decade or more.
Formed in May 2013, Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) will mark its ten-year anniversary this week.
The charity has developed significantly in that time, and is now a much respected and vital part of Scotland’s emergency response network.
The charity initially launched with just one base in Perth, but now operates another in Aberdeen.
Crew, helicopter and rapid response vehciles are stationed at each, standing ready 365 days a year to attend emergencies all across Scotland and its many islands.
The charity’s leader has shared his pride at their achievements in the past ten years.
Chief executive David Craig told Grampian Online: "The cost of maintaining a charity like SCAA is considerable but the Scottish public has been there for us every step of the way.
"In our first decade they have donated around £50 million, enabling us to save thousands of lives, impact on thousands more and bring help and hope to our more remote and rural communities.
"We have responded to nearly 5000 call outs, ensuring those most seriously ill or injured have paramedic or doctor attention as quickly as possible and are airlifted to advanced hospital care in the fastest possible time.
“The SCAA Board of Trustees took a measured risk launching our first aircraft in 2013, but the charity was, initially, supported by some prominent funders leading to incredible public support.
"Within months, the distinctive SCAA helicopter became known throughout Scotland which galvanised further community response to what they recognised as a life-saving service, dependent on charitable donations.
"Now that public giving is helping to support our life-saving service as demand and costs continue to increase, with more than £7 million required in our 10th anniversary year.
"We are humbled and heartened by a generous public that we hope will help fly us into the future and ensure SCAA is there for those most in need.
"We thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for taking SCAA to your hearts and keeping us in the air.
He added a tribute to a late founder of the charity, telling the outlet: "Tragically and very suddenly, in recent days, our chairman and one of the founding trustees, John Bullough MBE, passed away.
"His drive and enthusiasm for SCAA was remarkable. John would often finish by stating: 'SCAA truly is The People’s Helicopter – Funded by the people of Scotland, for the people of Scotland'.
"Everyone at SCAA is committed to ensuring that this is his legacy. Hopefully, you will continue to support us where you can and climb on board for the next 10 years of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance."
