Charity air ambulance team is crowned people’s champion

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) is flying high after lifting one of the country’s most coveted charity sector awards.

Supporters from all over the world cast their vote for the Perth-based charity in the People’s Choice category of the annual SCVO Awards, marking them out as the public’s favourite charity among the 44 finalists.

At a glittering awards ceremony in Edinburgh at the weekend, SCAA chief executive David Craig collected the award on behalf of the life-saving charity.

“SCAA saves and improves lives throughout Scotland, and for the efforts of everyone involved with this charity to be recognised and rewarded in this way by our supporters is just tremendous,” he said.

“This coveted and much appreciated award marks the hard work and dedication of staff, crew, trustees, volunteers, sponsors, fundraisers and supporters who all ensure that SCAA continues to fly where and when we’re needed most.

“SCAA is the people’s helicopter air ambulance, funded by the people of Scotland, for the people of Scotland. Now, to be voted the People’s Choice charity in Scotland is overwhelming.

“Thank you to everyone who voted for Scotland’s only charity-funded air ambulance – we’re there for everyone in Scotland and it’s humbling to see that the public is always there for us.

“This award means the world to everyone at SCAA and we will take great pride in being the People’s Choice charity for 2019.”

A record 34,810 votes were cast over a two-week period, from 46 different countries.