All five blood donor centres in Scotland can now give donors access to the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service’s new online accounts system.

Ruby and her family thank blood donors across Scotland - and encourage others to give blood.

Every year, on 14 June, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day (WBDD).

Donors who give blood at Dundee and Inverness Donor Centres will be the next people in the country invited to use our new online donor accounts.

As blood supplies can drop by 20% over the summer holidays, we ask you to know your blood group and watch bloodstocks.

Giving blood by appointment helps us help patients better. That’s because when you book an appointment, we know hospitals can rely on your blood type on that date, making it easier to regulate blood stocks. That way we know there will always be enough for patients needs.

Here are some of our top tips for making sure your blood donation runs as smoothly as possible.

Did you know tensing certain muscles while you give blood can greatly reduce your risk of fainting?