All specially finished in black, they've been supplied through dealership Citroën Glasgow in conjunction with M & D Vehicle Management. They're being operated under three-year contract hire with maintenance agreements with Appleyard and are projected to cover up to 105,000 miles apiece with the society.

Allocated to the SPCA's uniformed inspectors and ambulance drivers, the newcomers are equipped with air conditioning, half-height bulkheads, a washable lining for the load area and carry animal cages.

The society responds to over 100,000 calls for help annually. Last year its 11 animal welfare centres offered refuge to, cared for and re-homed over 12,000 injured, abused or neglected animals.