Calls for the country to light up in blue

Parkinson's UK Scotland has launched its 2020 campaign calling for landmarks and buildings across Scotland to light up in blue to mark World Parkinson's Day on 11th April.

Article Source: Parkinson's UK Scotland
Last Updated: 11 March 2020 11:19

Last year 90 Scottish locations lit up to mark the day and a further dozen or so sites in the rest of the UK showed their support by lighting up too.

The charity is launching the campaign to promote better understanding of a condition that affects around 12,400 people in Scotland. Parkinson’s is the second most common neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimer’s and better public understanding of the impact of the condition can have a hugely positive impact on the lives of those who live with it.

The campaign is spearheaded by one of the charity’s volunteers - Karen McConnell from Glasgow. Karen got involved with the charity after a school project on Sir Billy Connolly inspired 8yo daughter Abby to fundraise for Parkinson’s UK. When he heard about Abby’s exploits Billy arranged to meet young Abby and her family to thank them.

Karen said: “It was amazing last year to get the support from 90 locations across Scotland. This year we’re aiming even higher and want even more landmarks, big and small, to join in by lighting up in blue. I’m looking for help from anyone and everyone to make this happen. If you know of buildings that can light up then I’d love to hear about them and if you can help arrange it that’s even better. I’ve got great support from local Parkinson’s groups working hard in their areas to persuade people and organisations to join in but I welcome any assistance that people can offer. The more helpers who can lend a hand the better, after all many hands make light work!”

Annie Macleod, Director of Parkinson’s UK Scotland, says: “As well as a bit of fun the light up campaign is also important to the Parkinson’s community. Parkinson’s symptoms are often brutal and can leave people and their families feeling isolated. A local landmark, church or shop lighting up in blue is a powerful reminder to people that they are not alone and shows people care and are aware of the condition.”

To support the light up campaign please contact Karen at lightupscotlandforparkinsons@gmail.com and to see the locations that lit up last year visit https://www.google.com/maps/

Parkinson's UK is the UK's leading charity supporting those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's through cutting edge research, information, support and campaigning.
For advice, information and support, visit www.parkinsons.org.uk or call our free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Glasgow will shine bright this Christmas with a new city centre lighting trail

Glasgow's Christmas lights are a much-loved tradition, and this year they will shine brighter than ever with a brand-new Christmas lighting trail set to illuminate the city centre from 20 November!

KOCHCHI expands to Glasgow, bringing Sri Lankan heat to the West End

The West End will welcome KOCHCHI, the award-winning Sri Lankan street food brand, as it opens its first standalone restaurant in the former The Hanoi Bike Shop on Ruthven Lane.

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Marti Pellow stars as Scrooge in a major new musical production coming to Glasgow in 2026

The pop prince and former frontman of Wet Wet Wet realises his life-long dream of bringing the iconic Christmas Carol character to life on a major stage!

Behind the Beans: Cast of Pavilion Panto, Jock and the Beanstalk, visit the oldest sweet shop in Glasgow

The cast of much-anticipated Pavilion panto Jock & the Beanstalk were spotted out and about at the Barras this afternoon, with a visit to Glickman's to sample their famous jelly beans!

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Tesla Cybertruck lands at Silverburn... come and see the future

Glasgow EV enthusiasts are in for a treat this week as the famous Tesla Cybertruck has arrived at Silverburn, Scotland’s leading retail and leisure destination.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Glasgow Film Festival reveals first titles for 2026

Scotland's biggest film festival has confirmed its highly anticipated Retrospective Programme, which gives audiences the chance to catch classic films back on the big screen for free.

Sir Billy Connolly award applications open for Glasgow International Comedy Festival 2026

Glasgow International Comedy Festival has opened applications for its prestigious Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award with acts, venues and staff in 2026's festival encouraged to apply now.

Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic

This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.

SEC Glasgow at 40: Four decades of creating incredible

For four decades the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) has stood at the centre of Scotland’s cultural life, attracting world-class shows, artists, major events and conferences to Glasgow.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Glasgow Taxis Cup returns for its 21st year in 2026

Now in its twenty-first year, Glasgow Taxis Cup, will see more than 700 student athletes from Glasgow Caledonian, Strathclyde, and Glasgow universities competing across 17+ sports in 21+ events!

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Christmas Songbook to take festive cheer to Glasgow

Scotland's iconic Christmas Songbook is back for 2025, promising to sprinkle even more festive magic in Glasgow this December!

Breaking the Silence Gig: Last Minute Tickets available for Oran Mor

Last-minute tickets are still available for JJ “Jinky” Gilmour’s Breaking the Silence show at Oran Mor on Thursday 27th November.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

Flight Club Glasgow launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch

Flight Club Glasgow kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.

Citizens Theatre announces Associate Companies and Artists programme plus new shows for 2026

The Citizens Theatre has announced a new initiative to support and collaborate with artists and theatre companies, alongside more productions in its reopening year.

Glasgow Kelvin College hosts Big Scottish Breakfast and beauty event for STV Childrens Appeal

Glasgow Kelvin College students dished up community spirit in style earlier this month, raising £700 for the STV Children's Appeal through a Big Scottish Breakfast and beauty event.

Aldi opens applications for Christmas food donations programme in Glasgow

Aldi is calling on charities, community groups and food banks in Glasgow to sign up for surplus food donations from its stores this Christmas.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

From Pop to Print: Bobby Bluebell Unveils Forevermore at Glasgow Print Studio

Glasgow Print Studio is delighted to announce the launch of Forevermore, a new limited-edition print by Bobby Bluebell.

Winter Wonderland at St Enoch Square set to open this Thursday

Glasgow's Winter Wonderland gets underway this week with the opening of St Enoch Square on Thursday 6th November from 12 noon until 9pm.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

Have a merry little Christmas at Glasgow Science Centre

Make this winter one to remember at Glasgow Science Centre! Discover a line-up of unmissable seasonal events packed with science, wonder and festive fun!