Scotland's hospitals face a crisis in blood supplies because Christmas Day will fall midweek, according to the transfusion service.

The warning comes at a time when life-saving donations have hit their lowest level for three years.

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) said the festive season could see a 50% drop.

The service is appealing to Scots aged between 17 and 60 to go to give blood.

Staff said Christmas Day falling midweek will make donations much lower this year because that is when most people give blood.

Giving blood can be the last thing on their minds Moira Eadie transfusion service

Moira Eadie, Glasgow donor services manager at SNBTS, said: "We anticipate blood supplies could fall dramatically across Scotland.

"We will lose up to 6,000 donations over the Christmas and New Year period, which is half Scotland's blood supply.

"As blood donors are busy with shopping, parties and other festivities, giving blood can be the last thing on their minds.

"This can cause real difficulties in maintaining supplies for Scottish hospitals and we are obviously very concerned."

Ms Eadie said it was "vital" donors acted now to ensure blood was available to help patients of all ages over the coming months.

Premature babies

Bobbi McBurnie, who was born prematurely, helped launch this year's SNBTS Christmas campaign to encourage more donations.

Just three teaspoons of blood helped save the life of 13-month-old baby Bobbi, who weighed just 1lb 7oz when she was born.

Carol McBurnie with daughter Bobbi

Her mother Carol said she was indebted to the transfusion service for the help it gave her daughter.

She said: "Bobbi had to have 11 transfusions in total and never had any operations at all - everything was fine otherwise.

"I was very grateful and I still am and I would just encourage people to go and do it. I'm going to do it because if it wasn't for that then Bobbi wouldn't be here."

Ms Eadie said Bobbi was looking forward to her first Christmas at home.

Last December, 400 premature babies were born in Scotland.

Scotland requires 1,000 units of blood every day to meet hospital demand.