Scotland has previously been covered from the air by two Eurocopter EC135s, operated by Bond Air Services on contract to Gama Aviation who hold a contract with Scottish Ambulance Service.  This is the only EMS operation in the UK funded by central government, and it is planned to upgrade from EC135 to EC145T2 in due course.  All other UK air ambulance helicopters are charity-funded.

Thus it is with some surprise that a new charity has been a launched – Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).  SCAA will be providing, free of charge to the Scottish Air Ambulance Service, one B0105 helicopter complete with pilot and paramedic crew. The cost is met through community fundraising across Scotland. There is no Government or NHS financial support.  The helicopter will be based at Perth Airport.

Initial corporate supporters are listed as Scottish Hydro, McEwens of Perth, Perth Airport, Balhousie Care Group, Scottish Aero Club and Scottish Ambulance Service.

Lots more information at http://www.scaa.org.uk/

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com