The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) is appealing for more people to donate regularly as blood supplies face a significant drop. In an Instagram post this morning, the organisation urged people to read its appeal and make an appointment today. People are being directed to the ScotBlood website to book a slot, with experts describing the situation as a "cause for concern."
Four blood groups below desired levels
Debbie McNaughton, Associate Director Donor & Transport Services at SNBTS, said that with only 2% of the population in Scotland regularly giving blood, there is a shortage of donors, which has put the blood supply under pressure for several months. She noted that autumn is traditionally a challenging time, with seasonal illnesses, the new academic term and darker evenings leading to fewer donors coming forward, while demand from Scottish hospitals is currently high.
Currently, four out of the eight different blood groups are below desired levels: O Positive, O Negative, A Positive and B Negative.
450 donors a day needed
McNaughton said NHS Scotland needs around 450 blood donors a day to meet demand, but supplies have been falling for months. She explained that a spike in demand for one or more blood groups, combined with fewer donors coming forward, has resulted in a declining stock position for several months. Blood has a shelf-life of only 35 days, so supplies must be constantly replenished.
To boost stocks, SNBTS has been contacting donors directly, advertising across Scotland, and reaching out to donors who have not donated so far in 2026. McNaughton also stressed the importance of new donors coming forward, noting that the donor base in Scotland has been aging, which gives cause for concern. People can start giving blood at age 17, and donating takes only one hour.
Mum backs appeal after daughter's transfusions
Stirling mum Caitlyn Stewart is backing the appeal. Her first child, Millie, was born prematurely in February 2026 at just 28 weeks, weighing only 670 grams. Millie spent five weeks in neonatal care in Glasgow, followed by a further five weeks at Forth Valley. She had her first blood transfusion at four days old, and a second in March, with just 23mls of donated blood making a life-saving difference.
Stewart said: "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."
To support Scotland's patients and help save lives, appointments can be booked via the Online Donor Account, by emailing nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.scot, or by calling 0345 90 90 999 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
