Tavish Scott, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland, has put concerns about ambulance provision in remote and rural Scotland to the Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS).

Before speaking to Pauline Howie in Shetland today, Mr Scott met local SAS staff to listen to their ideas for improving ambulance cover in some of Scotland’s most remote areas.

Commenting, Mr Scott said:

"People need to have confidence that we have an ambulance service which meets our needs and that means getting to all calls in a reasonable time.

“SAS must improve their response to Scotland’s geographic challenges. If that means the crew numbers and vehicles need to be increased, then the numbers should be increased.

"I know that my own constituents are concerned about the current ambulance service, but my colleagues, particularly those who represent remote and rural areas, tell me that these concerns are shared.

“That is why I have met the Chief Executive of the SAS. It is important that she is aware of the extent of the concerns and the need to address them.”