HUNDREDS of people, businesses and charities have joined forces to create a swell of kindness in the run-up to St Andrew’s Day today in an effort to raise spirits in what has been one of the most challenging years the country has faced in decades.
The Scottish Government’s St Andrew’s Day 2020 One Million Words of Kindness campaign launched last week with the reveal of a bespoke postcard designed by Scottish illustrator Emily Hogarth and a short film that displayed the moments of kindness that have brought people together across the country this year.
Scotrail, Loganair and CalMac were among the transport networks that captured images of the postcard in some of Scotland’s most stunning locations, from Barra beach in the Outer Hebrides to Glasgow’s historic Queen Street station and the ferry terminals at Oban Bay, Ardrossan and Mallaig Harbour.
The country’s most iconic tourist attractions also shared messages of kindness on their social media pages, which saw postcards popping up at Edinburgh Castle in the capital, Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfries & Galloway, Blackness Castle in Linlithgow and St Andrew’s Cathedral in the historic namesake town of the national day, thanks to the support of the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions.
READ MORE: Biblical booklet generating indy debate ahead of St Andrews Day
In total, more than 50 virtual events have taken place in cities and towns around the country as part of the St Andrew’s Fair Saturday festival and BEMIS Scotland celebrations in the lead up to St Andrew’s Day, with more to come today.
Supported by the Scottish Government, the events aim to bring together diverse communities to celebrate the resilience, community spirit and shared kindness that have helped us all get through these difficult times.
This was all complimented with an array of online and social media messages from people around the world, checking in with friends, family and neighbours and passing on messages of appreciation for the moments that have helped everyone through the past year – from helping with shopping to having a chat on the street – making this year a kinder one when it was needed most.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “I’m pleased so many people have been inspired by the One Million Words of Kindness campaign launched this year to help celebrate St Andrew’s Day.
“The level of support it has received demonstrates that kindness is who we are as a nation and continuing to show this compassion for each other will help to lift our spirits at a time when it is really needed.
“On top of the many words of kindness shared in the mail and on social media platforms, the online programme of arts and culture performances brought to life by our partners for people around the country has been fantastic and I encourage everyone to take some time to enjoy them.”
Local community groups across Scotland, supported by BEMIS Scotland, will mark today’s national day through multicultural music and dance performances, the distribution of food, art and crafts materials and family-friendly kindness pamper packs, along with messages of kindness from community groups to medical professionals and care staff.
St Andrew’s Fair Saturday Festival kicked off on Saturday, with celebrations culminating today on St Andrew’s Day.
The festival aims to celebrate the arts and spread support for social and cultural causes through the promotion of cultural events and performances.
Highlights today include:
- Frontline Festival Scotland with Wet Wet Wet, Bay City Rollers and Hue and Cry among the top Scottish acts performing online for the virtual gig that is raising funds for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance and the Scottish Fire & Rescue Family Support Trust among other charities
- A live-streamed “Big Ceilidh” from the Festival of Small Halls taking place this evening from Skye’s iconic Sligachan Hotel. Traditional musicians Hamish Napier, Su-a Lee, Inge Thomson, Lauren MacColl, Rachel Newton, Megan Henderson, Ewan Robertson, Angus MacKenzie and Sean Gray lead an evening of world-class music. The event is supported by Creative Scotland
- A pre-recorded performance of elite dance group Clan Dannsa from members around the country
- Macbeth the Red: Walking Theatre Company and The Rockfield Centre will bring Shakespeare’s Scottish play, Macbeth, direct to living rooms with an interactive online theatre experience.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel