A new community ambulance was formally unveiled in a north-east community at the weekend, following a lengthy fundraising drive.
Portlethen Community Ambulance ferries pensioners and disabled people to and from doctor’s appointments and also takes parishioners to church.
The charity, which was launched 35 years ago, travels as far as Newtonhill and Cove to collect people who are unable to drive or walk to Portlethen Medical Practice.
In order to keep the service on the road, the committee has to replace the minibus every four years, which costs more than £36,000.
Now, after several successful funding applications, the charity has managed to secure a new ambulance for about £24,000 plus the trade-in value of the old vehicle.
The organisation also had the support of local chemist Charles Michie’s and abbatoir McIntosh Donald as well as the Newtonhill common good fund.
Colin Stratton, chairman of the charity, said: “It took us about 10 months to raise the money we needed.
“We try and replace the ambulance every three to four years because that is when things start to go wrong.
“All the money that we raise goes into the charity, there are about 25 volunteers involved and there are no paid employees.”
On Saturday, Dr Graeme Miller, of the medical practice, officially unveiled the new ambulance and paid tribute to the charity.
Maureen Watt MSP, Aberdeen South and North Kincardine, was also present.
For more information on the charity, visit www.portlethen-ambulance.co.uk
