The King Air planes will join two helicopters currently in service

The Scottish Ambulance Service took delivery of a pair of purpose-built King Air 200c fixed wing aircraft.

They have a range of almost 1,700 miles and a top speed of 289 knots, and are due to start operating out of Glasgow and Aberdeen from 1 April.

Health chiefs said the aircraft would provide greater patient comfort and shorter flying times.

The planes, which have space for two stretchers, will join the ambulance service's two existing EC135 Eurocopter helicopters based in Inverness and Glasgow.

'High standards'

Health Minister Andy Kerr formally received the aircraft during a ceremony at Edinburgh Airport.

He said: "These new planes show how investment, technology and training combine to deliver the best possible health services for the people of Scotland.

"There is a dedicated aircrew and team of paramedics ready to respond 24 hours a day."

The new aircraft have better access for equipment

Scotland's air ambulances - the UK's only publicly-funded air ambulance service - currently fly an average of 3,000 missions every year.

The service has been operating since 2000.

Adrian Lucas, chief executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, said the new aircraft would provide a world class service for patients.

He added: "It is essential that we update the existing fleet in order to maintain high patient service standards.