Air ambulance chosen as new charity partner

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) will be the subject of a year of fundraising to help its crews reach people facing life-threatening illness or injury across Scotland.

The partnership was officially marked at SCAA’s Perth base, where Scotmid colleagues met charity staff and crew and saw first-hand the work that goes into taking urgent care to people across the country.

Scotmid’s support will also be recognised on SCAA’s helicopters, based in Perth and Aberdeen.

SCAA is Scotland’s only charity-funded air ambulance service, responding to emergencies across mainland Scotland and its islands when every second counts.

As a charity-funded service, SCAA depends on public support to respond to emergencies from cities and towns to rural and island communities.

David Craig, chief executive of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, said: “Scotmid and SCAA share a very natural connection. We are both rooted in Scotland and focused on supporting people when and where they need it most.

“The support of Scotmid colleagues, members and customers will help us reach emergencies across the country, from busy towns and cities to some of Scotland’s most remote areas.

“Every donation, fundraising event and conversation helps us reach more people and increase understanding of a service that can make a critical difference when every second counts.

“We are delighted to welcome Scotmid to the SCAA family and look forward to seeing what we can achieve together over the year ahead.”

Karen Scott, chief executive officer at Scotmid, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance and support a service that brings urgent care to people across Scotland when they need it most.

“As a co-operative, supporting local people is at the heart of who we are. With SCAA reaching communities nationwide, this feels like a particularly meaningful partnership for Scotmid.

“Our colleagues, members and customers have a fantastic track record of getting behind our charity partners, and I know they will bring real energy, creativity and generosity to supporting SCAA.

“Together, we hope to raise vital funds, share SCAA’s message more widely and help its crews be there for people in their moment of greatest need.”

Fundraising will take place in Scotmid and Semichem stores across Scotland, with staff planning challenges, events and activities throughout the year.

Customers will also have opportunities to support SCAA in stores, helping a charity that is there for people when urgent help is needed most.

Scotmid’s wider 2026/27 charity partnership will also support Great North Air Ambulance Service in England and Air Ambulance NI, with funds raised in each region supporting the relevant local air ambulance charity.

SCAA operates two helicopter air ambulances from its bases in Perth and Aberdeen.

Its crews respond to time-critical emergencies throughout mainland Scotland and the islands.