New aircraft will increase the charity's fleet to four

Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) is set to add a new copter to its fleet and has launched a £6m funding drive to finance it.

The charity has operated an air ambulance since 2013, alongside two funded by the Scottish government.

SCAA chairman John Bullough said: "Our highly visible helicopter air ambulance has become a familiar sight as it deploys to time-critical medical emergencies throughout the country.

"Having responded to more than 1,700 emergency call outs, the charity has built a loyal and passionate following of donors, supporters and volunteers."

Existing and potential major donors are in discussion with the charity as it bids to secure the £6m required to fund the aircraft.

Pauline Howie, chief executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: "We are delighted that plans for a new air ambulance are underway as it will undoubtedly help save even more lives.

"Due to the dedicated public support of SCAA, the charity has been able to undertake hundreds of missions which is a fantastic achievement.

"Air ambulances can save vital time in responding to patients particularly across remote and rural parts of Scotland, and a second helicopter from SCAA will bring additional resilience and capacity to our fleet to help those most in need."

SCAA provides the Scotland's only charity-funded air ambulance, while there are 39 charity helicopter air ambulances operating in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said the charity's work helps to "save and improve lives every day."