A new ambulance station which is expected to deal with more than 10,000 emergency calls every year has opened in the south of Glasgow.

The Leverndale station in Crookston Road was formally opened by David Garbutt, chairman of the Scottish Ambulance Service.

The new station is in a key location and easily accessible for main routes and the south of the city. It replaces the old station in Shieldhall and provides modern, fit-for-purpose facilities for the 78 staff based there.

It is set to become one of the busiest in Scotland and will respond to more than 10,500 emergency calls every year, as well as a further 2400 urgent calls for hospital transfers.

In addition, staff will transport more than 46,000 patients to and from hospital outpatient appointments or for their admission and discharge to hospital.

The new station will have eight emergency ambulances, one paramedic response unit and 14 patient transport service vehicles.

Mr Garbutt said: "The new station at Leverndale will significantly improve the working environment for our staff based on the south side of Glasgow, who are among the busiest in the country.

"It is finished to the highest standards and provides a modern, fit-for-purpose workplace."

The facility has been fitted out to comply with the latest infection control and hygiene standards, while improved conditions for staff include better changing and training areas and facilities for keeping vehicles clean.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde worked closely with the ambulance service to facilitate the move.

Pauline Howie, chief executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: "The new facility at Leverndale is part of our strategy to upgrade our stations to meet the needs of our staff and patients.

"The station is well positioned to serve the local community and provides excellent facilities for staff."

A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said they were delighted the new station is now open.

She said: "Our planners worked very closely with colleagues at the Scottish Ambulance Service to help them find the best location for their new ambulance station.

"We are delighted that the new station at Leverndale is now operational."