A hi-tech specialist ambulance worth £120,000 has been officially unveiled at Yorkhill Children's Hospital.

The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit is specially equipped to care for critically ill children from all over Scotland while transporting them to the Glasgow hospital.

The unique ambulance has been kitted out with vital equipment needed to deliver intensive care on the move – as well as a DVD player to calm and distract the patients.

It can be used for journeys of up to two hours and is maintained daily by a dedicated team of drivers at its Yorkhill base.

There's enough room inside the PICU ambulance for a family member to travel with the child, as well as the emergency team.

David Welch, director of Fundraising at Yorkhill Children's Foundation, said: "At a cost of £120,000, the purchase was only possible through the kindness and generosity of our donors and key sponsors.

"We are extremely grateful for such generous support which has allowed the introduction of a unique paediatric ambulance that will save so many children's lives."

The annual Yorkhill Dinner raised more than £60,000 for the cause and the Colin McRae Vision charity – which was set up by the late rally car driver's father Jim – added a further £35,000.

The final £25,000 needed for the vital vehicle – which has already helped save the lives of 45 critically ill children across Scotland – came from Spifox, an association of Scottish property industry members who raise money for charity.

Jim McRae, of Colin McRae Vision, said: "Everyone at the Vision is absolutely delighted to have been involved in such a worthwhile project.

"The charity was set up to help promote children's health and education all over the world.

"It has been especially rewarding to have been able to support the fundraising for a project so close to home."

Gordon Johnstone, of Spifox, said: "The sole objective of Spifox is to raise funds during the business year for the benefit of children in Scotland, enabling the purchase of equipment and the provision of facilities to better perform the function of caring.

"It is great to see the PICU ambulance on the road and we are proud to be associated with the project."

lalita.augustine@ heraldandtimes.co.uk