Georgina Burt was the first person to have the specialised operation at the new West of Scotland Heart and Lung Centre at the Golden Jubilee Hospital in Clydebank.

Around 15 Scots every year are expected to undergo a transplant in the unit.

Doctors were so pleased by Georgina's progress that she was discharged and returned to her Laurieston home on Monday, just five weeks after undergoing surgery.

Speaking shortly before leaving hospital, she said: "I feel absolutely brilliant. Before my transplant I was always tired and couldn't do much but now I feel so much better."

Georgina (53) had been fit and well until eight years ago when she suddenly suffered a stroke.

During tests, doctors discovered that she had cardiomyopathy – a condition that causes the heart's muscles to become enlarged, thickened or stiff without any obvious cause.

She added: "Since then, I've just got weaker. Although I was always told that I would eventually need a heart transplant, I hoped that it wouldn't come to that. I used to say that perhaps another tablet would come along and I would be fine."

But earlier this summer she was admitted to Stirling Royal Infirmary and, when her condition deteriorated rapidly, she was rushed by ambulance to the new centre.

She said: "I was told my heart was only working at 10 per cent and I would be kept in until a heart became available. All I could do was lie in bed and wait for news."

The average waiting time for a heart in the UK is about six months but, fortunately for Georgina, one became available within a matter of days.

"I was taken down to theatre at 5.16 a.m. on the Monday and don't remember anything else until a few days later when I came round," she added.

Praising staff for their "brilliant" care, Georgina said she had received five-star treatment throughout her hospital stay.

Her transplant was carried out by consultant cardiac surgeon Andrew Murday, who was supported by a team of 10 specialist staff throughout the four-hour operation.

Lynne Ayton, general manager for cardiothoracic services at the Golden Jubilee, said: "We are pleased that a suitable heart became available.
We're equally pleased that she has responded so well.

"None of this would be possible without the dedication and skills of our consultants and clinical staff, who can change people's lives for the better."

Georgina was too emotional to talk about the donor whose heart she received and was also moved to tears when she spoke of the support from her family throughout her hospital stay, especially husband Tom (56), son Allan (25) and her three sisters.

"Tom's been marvellous. He's come through to see me every day after his work with Falkirk Council," she said.

Asked what she was looking forward to most about getting back to her home in Ramsay Avenue, she said: "My own shower, bed and ... Marks & Spencer teabags!"