The only charity of its kind in Scotland has operated a single aircraft nationwide emergency service since 2013 from its base at Perth Airport. With the addition of the second helicopter called Helimed 79 launched from an additional airbase at Aberdeen International Airport, SCAA has doubled its service capacity.

Together, the two air ambulances will cover the whole of Scotland, working alongside two government-funded helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft.

Tom Steele, Chair of the Scottish Ambulance Service, welcomed the arrival of the country's latest air ambulance. "Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance has proved a vital component in the 999 emergency response network, responding to nearly 2,500 emergencies since the charity launched," he said. "Working very closely with the Scottish Ambulance Service, SCAA has saved many lives - especially in the more remote and rural areas of Scotland - and a second helicopter will add very significant capability to the entire Scottish air ambulance fleet.”

John Bullough, founding Chairman of SCAA, added: "There's never been a more crucial time for additional emergency pre-hospital care resources in Scotland and SCAA is proud to be able to strengthen the country's air ambulance fleet.

“During these difficult times, the demands on frontline emergency services has never been greater and we hope the public will continue to support us - ensuring that, with the launch of Helimed 79, we can fly more care, more quickly, to more people wherever the need arises in Scotland. We wish Helimed 79, her long-serving stablemate Helimed 76 and their experienced and professional crews safe flying in the years to come."