Blood donor decline causes alarm

The SNBTS is urging people to become blood donors

Scotland has the lowest number of blood donors since records began more than 20 years ago, according to the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.

It said if the steady decline in donors is not reversed the country will face chronic blood shortages.

While 20% of Scots described themselves as blood donors, the service said only 5% had given blood in the last year.

Dr Moira Carter said: "The best gift you can give this Christmas is blood. So don't just talk about it, do it!"

The national donor services manager said the service aimed to maintain six days supply of all blood groups.

Dr Carter added: "Less than three days stock is viewed as a cause for concern, and for the first time this has happened in most months this year."

Scotland needs 1,000 donations of blood every single day.

To register as a blood donor call 0845 90 90 999 or visit www.scotblood.co.uk.