Coatdyke viaduct will be specially illuminated this evening to mark the #PurpleWinter campaign which raises awareness of childhood abuse.
The landmark railway bridge at Centenary Park in Airdrie will be lit up in the campaign colour, as will the Civic Centre in Motherwell, as North Lanarkshire Council shows its support for the initiative.
It was arranged following a request from Airdrie South councillor Paul Di Mascio, who is a trustee of the Moira Anderson Foundation, the local charity which works to support people affected by childhood abuse.
Foundation director Gillian Urquhart told the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser: “We’re absolutely delighted that North Lanarkshire Council is supporting the Purple Winter campaign – raising awareness of child abuse is hugely important in reducing the prevalence of this crime.
“The Moira Anderson Foundation has promoted both the summer and winter campaigns for a couple of years, and having the council back the initiative will certainly help raise its profile.”
Purple Winter was established by childhood sexual abuse survivor David Lean, and also includes a similar summer social media campaign encouraging supporters to wear purple.
Councillor Di Mascio said: “I’m delighted – both as a councillor and as a trustee of the Moira Anderson Foundation – that North Lanarkshire Council agreed to mark Purple Winter day.
“The Foundation fully supports this campaign, and the council shining a light on this issue highlights the very real issue of childhood abuse and promotes awareness.”
