Residents will no longer be able to donate blood in Aberfeldy following the cancellation of sessions in the town.
The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) announced it was withdrawing from Aberfeldy after failing to hit its participation target.
The nearest place where people will be able to give blood this year will be Pitlochry Town Hall, where dates have been set for March 3 and October 26.
Transfusion teams will also visit Crieff, Blairgowrie, Auchterarder, Coupar Angus and Alyth in 2020.
The decision to pull out of Aberfeldy was made after it missed the target for donors by 13 people last year.
An SNBTS spokesperson said: “Our decision to adjust the blood collection programme is part of a wide-ranging modernisation programme that will ensure Scotland continues to benefit from a world-leading blood collection service that delivers best value for everyone.
‘We greatly appreciate the understanding of everyone who has previously donated at Aberfeldy. SNBTS is hugely grateful for their contribution to safeguarding the health of families and communities across Scotland.”
The spokesperson said it was required to achieve the best value per unit of blood collected for the NHS and falling numbers at Aberfeldy meant the sessions were no longer viable.
It had hoped to welcome 65 donors on its last visit to the town in July 2019, but only 52 were able to attend.
“Savings generated by this change can be reinvested in new technologies and new services, as well as modernising and improving our existing services,” the spokesperson added.
Highland ward councillor Mike Williamson said he feared some local donors would stop giving.
The SNP member said: “It is entirely regrettable that the Scottish Blood Transfusion service have taken this decision to only collect blood in Highland Perthshire from Pitlochry, whilst still actively recruiting new donors to the service.
“I am concerned about the long-term viability for the blood donating service in Highland Perthshire as people will get out of the habit in rural areas with people now expected to travel long distances in order to donate.
“I would hope that SNBTS will revisit this service reduction in the very near future,” he added.
In addition to services in the community, the Dundee Donor Centre is open three days a week.
