Highland News and Media

Give Blood, Save Lives

2025

Highland News and Media launched its campaign – Give Blood, Save Lives – calling on people across the Highlands and Moray to step forward and donate blood and plasma at a time of urgent national need.

The campaign was prompted by growing concern that blood donation levels had dropped significantly in the aftermath of the pandemic. Long-term donors had fallen out of the habit, while recruitment of new donors had not kept pace. With demand for blood and plasma continuing, the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service was facing a real challenge to maintain supplies.

In response, Highland News and Media teamed up with SNBTS to launch the campaign in late November 2024. The goal was clear: to secure 5,000 donations by Easter – a figure significantly higher than the number usually expected in the region over that period.

Throughout the following months, the campaign was given a weekly platform across HNM’s five Highland titles – covering Inverness, Ross-shire, Caithness, Sutherland and Strathspey – and in Moray, alongside extensive online coverage.

The stories highlighted the crucial role of donors and the life-saving impact of their generosity. Medical experts explained how a single donation can help up to three patients in crisis, and how plasma is used to create vital treatments for people living with serious health conditions. Dozens of donors shared their experiences, advice, and encouragement, while patients told moving stories of how their lives were saved thanks to blood being available when it was needed most.

Momentum quickly grew. Local businesses organised group donation sessions, schools and community groups got involved, and many people rolled up their sleeves to give blood for the first time. Highland solicitors Munro and Noble contributed, as well as pupils from Culloden Academy. A mum who faced life-threatening complications after giving birth last year also gave her full backing to the campaign.

By Easter weekend 2025, the target had been surpassed: SNBTS welcomed 5,049 donors across the north – 4,723 blood donations and 326 plasma donations. Together, these had the potential to help more than 15,000 people.

The campaign also captured the attention of readers far beyond the region. Coverage included stories of families donating together, teenagers leading by example, and people who owed their survival to the generosity of strangers.

What began as a campaign grew into a community movement – one that inspired collective action and created change with lasting impact. Since Easter, Highland News and Media has continued to support SNBTS in promoting local donation opportunities and in sharing inspiring stories of donors and recipients.