All blood collected is treated as a national supply and Scotland is now two to three days down on regular levels as a result of cancelled sessions and early closures.

Dundee donor manager Jacqueline Millar praised service staff across the country for pulling together to ensure the supply keeps flowing.

She said, “Just recently staff taking blood at Montrose were forced to close early due to concerns they wouldn’t get back to Dundee.

“Obviously the weather is unpredictable from day-to-day so we need to take that into account.”

While there has been no significant increase in the amount of blood required since the big freeze began, it is important to maintain a supply of fresh blood platelets that last only for five days.

Mrs Millar added, “There have been several instances of staff going the extra mile and everybody is doing that extra bit to make sure things run.

“Today we are in Newburgh and the lady there who runs the hall went out and cleared the path so people could get in.”

Next week the blood transfusion service will be in Dundee and Broughty Ferry, followed by Carnoustie and Forfar the week after.

SHIVERS FOR SMALL BUSINESS

Small businesses in Dundee and Angus are enduring difficult trading conditions due to the weather, according to a leading business expert in the city (writes Debbie Kerr).

The big chill has brought much of Britain to a standstill over the last few days with transport links across the country gridlocked or cancelled.

Although the main roads surrounding Dundee and Angus remain passable with care, local business owners are worried that stock deliveries from further afield will be disrupted and delayed.

Many staff members have also been unable to get into work , while customers are staying indoors rather than visit their local shops.

Iain Sommerville, chairman of the Dundee and Angus Federation of Small Businesses, said local firms are experiencing real difficulties.

“People are finding it extremely difficult with the adverse weather conditions in regards to getting supplies and getting access routes cleared,” he said.

“Businesses in the outlying areas are possibly having the most difficulty, but even firms in the middle of busy streets are having problems.”

He continued, “There are concerns about getting supplies from places badly affected by the snow.

“At the moment business owners are concerned, not only about getting supplies for their customers to buy but also actually getting their customers to them.

“It is difficult on both sides because the weather conditions mean some people are finding it difficult to just get out and about to the shops.

“I have spoken to a few business people and they are being forced to bring in extra heating.

“They have been worried deliveries won’t get through and they have problems with staff getting in.”

Mr Sommerville said the forecast for prolonged freezing temperatures in the region could put further pressure on struggling businesses.