AMBULANCES waited outside Scottish hospitals for the equivalent of 41 years to drop off patients in 2024, up 10 per cent in two years, figures show.

Data released by the Scottish Ambulance Service following a Lib Dem freedom of information request showed one ambulance at NHS Grampian waited 16 hours and 42 minutes to unload and depart a hospital, part of the nationwide total of 361,753 hours.

Lib Dem MP Christine Jardine called the delays “devastating.” She said: “Ambulances are waiting longer and longer outside of hospitals because staff are struggling to find the space to receive new patients. The Scottish government must finally get serious about tackling the problems at both the front door and the back door of the NHS.”

An ambulance service spokesman said: “These waits prevent our crews from getting back out on the road to treat other patients, and we are working closely with health boards supporting their efforts to improve the situation.”

SNP Health Secretary Neil Gray insisted: “Patient safety and the welfare of NHS staff are our top priorities. I apologise to any patients who have experienced delays and their families.”