Award for Perthshire stalwart of Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA)

A Perthshire founder of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) has been recognised with a leading national award.Mike Beale has been named “Trustee Of The Year” 2024 in the Air Ambulances UK Awards of Excellence.The former headteacher of Perth's Craigclowan School was one of the charity’s founding trustees when the service launched in 2013.The award recognises his years of commitment to the development and growth of Scotland’s only charity-funded air ambulance service.The citation at this week’s awards dinner in Coventry recognised Mike’s role in galvanising the charity team following the sudden death of founding chairman John Bullough last year.The judges said: “As Interim Chair of SCAA, Mike provided strength and compassion during a challenging time, guiding the team through the sudden loss of founding chairman John Bullough.“His leadership ensured that vital fundraising and operations continued seamlessly, all while nurturing the Board’s strategic ambitions.“A founding trustee, Mike’s dedication has shaped the charity from its early days, leading sub-committees and preparing the organisation for its next chapter.“His legacy will have a lasting impact on pre-hospital emergency care in Scotland.”Commenting on his award, Mike said he was particularly humbled as the recognition came from his peers within the air ambulance community.“I am obviously delighted, particularly as it reflects the contribution of my fellow trustees – past and present – and the huge efforts made by our outstanding staff at SCAA as we look forward, through their efforts, to ensuring that no-one in Scotland should die because help can’t get there in time.”A headmaster for 30 years, Mike takes great pride in his time as Interim SCAA chairperson – a