Cowal u3a: Damien Lloyd Payne – Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance

Damien Lloyd Payne is a Sandbank resident who has spent 25 years flying helicopters in the United States before retiring to Cowal in 2024. During his career, he has flown a range of helicopters on various missions, most recently for Christiana Care in Delaware, where he operated medical helicopters, including the H145, widely used in the UK for medical transport. Damien now volunteers with various groups, including Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance. He will be speaking to us about the vital service SCAA provides, with a focus not only on the crew, equipment, and missions, but also on how anyone can help SCAA make a difference. At Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA), the mission is simple: to ensure that no one in Scotland suffers or dies because medical help can’t get there in time. Their life-saving service is especially vital in Scotland’s most remote and rural areas, like the Cowal Peninsula. SCAA’s ability to reach those in need, no matter how far away, ensures that critical time isn’t lost. But SCAA can’t do it alone. As a charity air ambulance, SCAA is entirely funded by the generosity of the Scottish public. Without that support, they wouldn’t be able to save lives nationwide. Every donation helps keep them flying, responding to emergencies, and ensuring help is always within reach. Damian will share more about SCAA and highlight examples of its vital work. Cowal u3a is open to people from Dunoon and the surrounding area, including Kilmun, Strone, Ardentinny, Strachur, St Catherines, Cairndow, Colintraive and Tighnabruaich however, there are no geographical limits, and they currently have over 50 members with a series of monthly events and group meetings. There is also no age limit, but their activities generally aim at retired or semi-retired people who wish to share in recreational, creative or learning activities or just for companionship. Find out more at theoir website: Cowal u3a