Scotland to light up blue for World Parkinson’s Day…

Scotland to light up blue for World Parkinson’s Day 2021 on 11 April

Well-known landmarks across Scotland will light up blue for this year's World Parkinson’s Day on Sunday.

The special day is designed as an opportunity for the 12,400 people affected in Scotland to connect with each other, and the millions of others worldwide living with the world's fastest-growing neurological condition.

Charity Parkinson’s UK Scotland is gearing up to mark the special day by having landmarks across the country light up blue to show their support and raise awareness of the disease, which has over 40 recognised symptoms and has no cure.

From Lerwick to Ayr, St Andrews to Inverness and Glasgow to Edinburgh, iconic buildings such as Edinburgh Castle (joining for the first time this year) and Aberdeen's Marischal College, will be lit up to shine a light on the condition.

Illuminated in the colour of Parkinson’s UK Scotland, the charity is urging its supporters to visit their local landmarks.

The event is being organised by volunteer Karen McConnell who has been liaising with landmarks across the country in an effort to get as many on board as possible, she said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to have the support of buildings lighting up blue for World Parkinson’s Day.

"It’s a really strong visual symbol of support for the Parkinson’s community and unites us all to mark the day.

"Having Edinburgh Castle join in for the first time this year is brilliant as it’s such a prominent landmark in Scotland.

“I hope lighting up Scotland for World Parkinson’s Day will help raise awareness of Parkinson’s and show the Parkinson’s community that we stand shoulder to shoulder with them and will continue to work to raise awareness until a cure is found.“

Annie Macleod, Director of Parkinson's UK Scotland, added: “We are delighted to see so many iconic buildings light up for World Parkinson’s Day and are extremely grateful for their continuing support.

“It has been an extremely difficult year for the Parkinson’s community. We know that many people with Parkinson's have experienced deteriorating symptoms over the last year.

"They have not been able to access the things that help keep them well - from care and treatment, to seeing family and friends and getting out of the house for exercise or other activities. Many families have faced bereavement with little support in these strange times.

“We hope this will be a beacon of hope for all who live with the condition.”

Full list of the buildings taking part:

Edinburgh International Conference Centre

St Salvator's Chapel, St Andrews

St Salvator's Quadrangle, St Andrews

Mareel Arts Centre, Lerwick

Covesea Skerries Lighthouse, Lossiemouth

West Lothian Civic Centre, Livingston

Caird Hall, Dundee

Camera Obscura, Edinburgh

Wallace Tower, Ayr

Edinburgh Castle