SCOTLAND’S First Minister has given blood in Glasgow as part of a drive to boost donations over the festive period.
Humza Yousaf, who has donated blood on a number of occasions, urged people to "help save a life".
He said: "The reason why I'm here is pretty simple – to urge people to take a little bit of time out of the festive period to give blood.
"Our Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) is seeking to have over 2000 donations over the festive period.
"They've had less than half of those numbers booked in for appointments. So please do give blood – you could quite literally be helping to save a life."
You can find out more about giving blood HERE.
Donation centres in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Livingston are open at various times during the festive period.
According to the organisation’s website, supply for the AB- blood type is particularly low in Scotland, with an estimated four days’ worth of stock available, while O-, B- and O+ have five.
READ MORE: Glasgow Subway fares to increase – everything you need to know
The SNBTS aims to retain six days’ of stock at any time to meet the requirements of patients.
In a post on Twitter/X, the SNBTS said: “Thank you to the First Minister and everyone else who gave their #FestiveDonation today.
“Your donations across the whole festive period have been vital so thank you on behalf of patients across Scotland who will receive your gift.”
People can also call 0345 90 90 999 for more information on donating.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here