The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) will be in Orkney on 12, 13 and 14 May 2025, to collect blood for the first time in 16 years.

SNBTS hopes to welcome 75 donors per day, meaning a total of 225 donors over a 3 day period.

To check your eligibility and to book an appointment, email nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.scot, call 0345 90 90 999, or visit www.scotblood.co.uk

“We are delighted to return to Orkney for our first visit since 2009, and we hope to receive a high level of support from the community. We are asking people to come forward and contact us. We will then check you are eligible to donate and book your appointment. You can do this by visiting our website www.scotblood.co.uk or calling us on 0345 90 90 999.

“Due to the requirement to transport blood for processing each day in a suitable temperature controlled environment, our sessions are earlier in the day (9am – 2pm). This allows us to rapidly return your donation each afternoon via ferry to our Processing & Testing facility in Edinburgh. To meet regulatory requirements, every donation must be processed and components placed into controlled temperature storage within 24 hours of donating – and for some components this reduces to 20 hours.”

“Due to length of time since we last held regular sessions, we will not be writing to everyone who previously donated as many personal details may have changed. Therefore, we are working with community groups – such as MSP Liam McArthur’s office, local press and social media groups, and The Pickaquoy Centre to raise awareness of the forthcoming session.

“Please do help us spread the word. It is important to book your appointment in advance, and our team are ready to help you do that – simply email us on nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.scot and our team will contact you to set up your online account and book your appointment. I’d like to thank everyone for your continued support, and we look forward to working with the community at this special time.”

Orkney Constituency MSP, Liam McArthur has welcomed news, he said: “Given the vital, life-saving importance of this service, I would encourage constituents to roll up their sleeves and give generously when the time comes.”