Urgent call for Scots to give blood as supplies decline

An appeal has been launched for more people to donate blood amid soaring hospital demand.

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) is urging more people to donate regularly as supplies face a significant drop.

The service estimates just 1.7% of Scotland’s population currently donates blood, with participation having fallen.

There are currently 90,280 blood donors in Scotland, with half donating only once a year. SNBTS wants to encourage more people to donate three times a year, with donors able to leave 12 weeks between donations.

The donor base is also ageing. A decade ago, almost a third of donors were under 30, compared with around a sixth today.

Scotland requires around 450 blood donors every day to meet hospital demand. Blood has a shelf life of just 35 days, making regular donations vital to maintaining supplies.

‘A life-saving difference’

Baby Millie was born prematurely, weighing only 670g, in February 2026 and spent more than two months in neonatal care in Glasgow and Forth Valley.

Her mum, Caitlyn Stewart, from Stirling, said: “Millie had her first blood transfusion at four days old, her second followed in March with just 23mls of donated blood making a life-saving difference.

“Thanks to blood donors, Millie is now growing stronger every day. We will forever encourage people to give blood and be forever grateful to people who do.”

Currently, O Positive, O Negative, A Positive and B Negative blood supplies are below desired levels.

Debbie McNaughton, Associate Director Donor & Transport Services, SNBTS said: “We work to ensure that blood, tissues and cells are available across Scotland 24 hours a day, every day of the year. However, autumn is traditionally a challenging time for the blood supply, with seasonal illnesses, the new academic term and darker evenings meaning fewer donors are coming forward.

“In order to meet demand for blood products in NHS Scotland, we aim to welcome 450 donors every day.

“However, a spike in demand for one or more blood groups, combined with fewer donors coming forward, means we have been in a declining stock position for several months. This means it is important donors come forward now, and in the coming weeks.

“In order to boost blood stocks, we have been contacting donors directly, advertising across Scotland, and reaching out to donors who have not donated so far in 2026, reminding them how important they are.”

She is calling for younger donors to come forward, particularly those in the 17-24 category as the donor base continues to age, which she describes as a “cause for concern.”

“You can start giving blood aged 17, so we wish to remind young adults in Scotland that giving blood only takes one hour of your time,” she added.

“Blood donation is one of the simplest ways people can make a real difference. We need more people to take that first step and become donors. If you’re feeling healthy and well, there’s a good chance you’re eligible to donate blood.

“A strong and resilient blood system depends on more people coming forward, not just when the need is heightened, but as a regular part of their routine.”