Scottish air ambulance takes off with £50,000 donation to keep it flying high

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) has received a £50,000 donation as the organisation suffers a “significant downturn” in fundraising income due to coronavirus.

The Scone-based emergency service was given the much needed cash injection by their charity partner, insurance provider Phoenix Group, to assist with the air ambulance’s lifesaving service.

David Craig, chief executive of SCAA, said the “tremendous” donation came at a crucial time for the charity which does not receive any government funding.

He said: “Like other charities, SCAA is experiencing a significant downturn in our fundraising income as community activities and key events are cancelled.

“This extremely generous donation from the Phoenix Group will help save lives as our crews continue to operate across the whole of Scotland, wherever required.

“We want to thank the Phoenix Group for its outstanding support – both through this vital donation and our ongoing rewarding partnership in Scotland.

“It is only through support such as this that SCAA will fly on through this unprecedented global crisis and help save and improve lives nationwide.”

SCAA announced a one-year partnership with Phoenix in February 2019 which was due to end in spring, however the insurance company has agreed to extend this to the end of 2020.

Susan McInnes, group director Scotland for Phoenix Group, said: “The life-saving efforts of SCAA are vital and they need more funds during these difficult times so they can continue to help those in need.”

David Craig of SCAA.