Health Secretary Shona Robison is encouraging people to be part of the 70th anniversary celebrations for the NHS by sharing their stories of health care through the years.

Events planned to mark the milestone include everything from a photography exhibition to a civic reception for frontline NHS staff.

Contributions from patients and employees will form part of a campaign leading up to the anniversary, with seven stories selected to feature in a short film of NHS memories across the decades.

Ms Robison (pictured) said: “The 70th anniversary of the NHS provides the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to the institution that has done so much for so many.

“At its heart are the thousands of employees whose skill, dedication and compassion make the NHS what it is, consistently striving for the highest possible standards in clinical excellence and patient care.

“The commitment to the founding principles of healthcare remains as strong today as it was in 1948, yet the service most take for granted has changed considerably over the 70 years, continually adapting and evolving to ensure people’s needs are met.

“Through investment, innovation and reform, this evolution in the way care is delivered will continue.

“I’d encourage people to show their support for the NHS during its special year by joining the celebrations and am looking forward to hearing people’s stories of what the NHS has meant to them over the coming weeks.”

A spokesperson for NHS Scotland added: “We will be working with a wide range of partners to celebrate 70 years of the NHS in Scotland and want everyone to get involved – from patients and the public to the voluntary sector, professional bodies and unions.”

People can share their memories of the NHS by emailing nhs70@smartscommunicate.com.

For more details, visit ournhsscotland.com.