A national blood bank is appealing to the public to donate blood to help replenish their stocks.

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) has asked for people across Scotland to give blood.

As it stands there’s only three days left of B- blood and four days stock of O-, the most common type in the country, and A+ the second most common.

Moira Carter, assistant director for SNBTS, said: “In the summer time, it usually can be a challenge to get blood donations and it’s been down by 20%.

“Demand for blood has stayed high and it doesn’t go away.

“There are key blood types that we’re always looking for.

“Type O+ is the most common in the country, Type A+ is the second most common blood group and O- is the universal donor that can be given to almost anyone which is always in demand.

“Those with O- can donate their blood because it is good in emergency situations to those who might need it immediately.

“Type B- is one of the rarest types and those who have this blood type can really make a big difference.”

Moira is encouraging people to make an appointment to give blood to keep the stock replenished.

Those in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire can donate blood in the next seven days at either the Aberdeen Blood Donor Centre, on Foresterhill Road, or at the Kirk Centre in Ellon.

To book an appointment, call 0345 90 90 999 between Monday to Thursday from 9am to 7pm or Friday to 9am to 5pm or e-mail nss.snbtsenquiry@nhs.net