Stagecoach pledges £375k to helicopter appeal

STAGECOACH boss Sir Brian Souter has pledged a six-figure sum towards ambitious plans by Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) to buy a new helicopter.

The Perth-based charity has launched a £6 million drive to get a second lifesaving chopper in the air.

The Stagecoach group, which has its headquarters in Perth, has been a keen supporter of the charity and has donated more than £650,000 since SCAA launched in 2013.

Sir Brian announced a donation of £125,000 in each of the next three years towards the appeal during a visit to the group’s Perth Airport base.

He said a fully-branded SCAA bus will help promote the fundraising appeal across Scotland, operating on routes to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, Perth, Dundee and Inverness.

“We are proud to once again be funding this important, life-saving piece of equipment for Scotland,” he said.

“Over the years, the helicopter has helped to save many lives and Stagecoach is delighted to be the first corporate partner to announce dedicated funding towards the new helicopter.”

Chairman John Bullough said the pledge by Stagecoach could prove to be the ideal springboard for the public appeal.

“This tremendous new commitment of support will help secure a second helicopter to save and improve the lives of those most in need throughout the whole of Scotland,” he said.

“We are deeply indebted to Sir Brian and everyone at Stagecoach for their support.”