Local hotel lights up blue for Parkinson's
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The Mackays Hotel in Wick is among landmarks throughout Scotland lighting up blue on Sunday for this year's World Parkinson's Day.
Delighted to be helping the cause, Ellie Lamont of Mackays Hotel said: "We want to support Parkinson's because we know people who are close to us who are affected by the illness. Raising awareness is something we want to do and ensure others know support is available to them."
World Parkinson’s Day is an opportunity for 12,400 people in Scotland to connect with each other and millions of people worldwide living with the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. Parkinson's is a progressive brain condition with over 40 recognised symptoms. There is no cure.
Charity Parkinson’s UK Scotland is marking the special event on April 11, and landmarks across Scotland are set to light up blue to show their support and raise awareness of Parkinson’s.
From Lerwick to Ayr, St Andrews to Inverness and Glasgow to Edinburgh, these iconic buildings will be lit up to shine a light on the condition.
Livingston’s West Lothian Civic Centre, Marischal College in Aberdeen and Wallace Castle in Ayr are just a handful of iconic buildings which will be illuminated in the colour of Parkinson’s UK Scotland and the charity is urging our 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.
Karen 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 said: “We are delighted to see so many iconic buildings light up for World Parkinson’s Day and are extremely grateful for their continuing support. This is an important symbol for just under 600 people in the Highlands who are living with the condition.
“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.”
