Dozens of Harley-Davidson owners revved up their support of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) at the weekend by riding to the charity’s helicopter base at Perth Airport.
The mass rideout is the latest fundraiser by the Dunedin Chapter of the Harley Owners Group (HOG), comprising bikers from the north and east of Scotland, as part of the drive by 30,000 fellow owners across the UK to support local air ambulance charities.
The riders were greeted at SCAA’s Helimed 76 base at Perth where they learned about the work of the charity and purchased branded goodies to support the service.
Dunedin Chapter director Stewart Willox explained that motorcyclists were all too aware of the life-saving role of air ambulances at accident scenes and the vital impact SCAA has had on riders throughout Scotland.
“It’s reassuring to know that SCAA could be there for us all when things go very wrong,” he said.
“And we recognise the ongoing need to raise funds to keep the service in the air. That’s why Harley-Davidson owners throughout the UK are raising funds to support air ambulance charities and help save the lives of those who need their services most.
“SCAA’s two bases at Perth and Aberdeen lie within Dunedin HOG’s membership catchment area so we wanted to organise a rideout that would give members a chance to meet the crews that carry out such amazing work.”
Harley owners in Scotland are now gearing up for their annual Thunder In The Glens mass rally which takes place in Aviemore over three days at the end of August.
“That event should attract around 4000 motorcycles from all across Scotland and beyond,” said Stewart. “And it will allow us to fundraise further for SCAA.”
Kate Loades, fundraising manager with SCAA, said the charity was “hugely grateful” for all the support shown by the motorcycling community.
She added: “The Harley Owners Group has been a regular supporter and we were thrilled to have them visit at the weekend in order to welcome them and thank them for their continuing fundraising efforts.
“This vital support helps save lives and ensures SCAA keeps flying whenever and wherever it is needed most.”
