Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) is launching a fundraising drive to raise enough money to buy a second helicopter.

The charity, based at Perth Airport, needs £6m and hopes the public can help reach their target as the aircraft is entirely funded by donations and lottery grants.

They aim to purchase the new helicopter in a matter of months.

Trustees say the £6m sum is equivalent to three years running costs.

A second aircraft would add to resilience and Scotland's capacity to deal with emergency incidents, they said.

The charity's chief executive, David Craig, said he was confident the people of Scotland would show support for their future plans.

He said: "Thanks to the generosity of the people of Scotland, after five years of operations we have reached a point of sustainability with our first aircraft, based at Perth Airport.

"We are therefore confident that a second aircraft will become sustainable within a similar period.

"The public, trusts, businesses and organisations have supported SCAA since day one and we hope this will continue."

SCAA chairman John Bullough said: "Our highly visible helicopter air ambulance has become a familiar sight as it deploys to time-critical medical emergencies throughout the country.

"Having responded to more than 1700 emergency call outs, the charity has built a loyal and passionate following of donors, supporters and volunteers."

Health secretary Shona Robison said: "Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance carries out great work across Scotland, helping to save and improve lives every day.

"A second SCAA helicopter will make a huge difference, particularly in the more rural and remote areas of Scotland."