A NEILSTON man has seen a dream come true with the official opening of a new hospital helipad he helped fund and build.

The helipad, near Campbeltown Hospital, in Argyllshire, is the brainchild of 28-year-old ambulance technician Stuart McLellan.

Before it was built, helicopters were forced to land in a field up to three times a day to collect critically-ill patients being transferred to other hospitals.

Ambulances often became became stuck in the mud and had to be towed away from the makeshift landing spot.

Stuart (pictured right with other guests at the official unveiling on Saturday) got the helipad idea in 2018 while visiting relatives in Campbeltown.

He then spent three years working with the South Kintyre Development Trust to find the necessary funding.

Stuart said: “I’m pleased I have been able to play my part in getting the town this vital asset.”