Scottish Government and local partners must act now to protect vital palliative care services
St Columba’s Hospice Care and Marie Curie Edinburgh are warning that essential palliative and end-of-life care services are now at serious risk due to funding decisions made by the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and inaction by the Scottish Government.
The HSCP has chosen to reverse a 3% inflationary uplift in funding to hospices, which they committed to earlier in the year. This decision was taken in reaction to the Scottish Government announcement of an additional £5 million to help hospices address workforce pressures.
That £5 million was solely intended to support hospices with the recruitment and retention of skilled staff during a time of extreme pressure, not to replace existing funding agreements.
This decision from HSCP undermines the purpose of the allocation and places essential palliative and end-of-life services across the Lothians at risk. To date, St Columba’s Hospice Care has not received its share of the £5 million, which is approximately £496,000. The delay is creating further financial uncertainty and threatening frontline services for patients and families.
We call on the Scottish Government and HSCP to:
Reinstate the 3% inflationary uplift immediately.
Release the national pay parity funding without delay.
Commit to a national review of hospice funding to ensure equity and sustainability across Scotland.
Jackie Stone, CEO, St Columba’s Hospice Care, said:“Hospice’s are being pushed to make very difficult decisions that may impact on our patients and families. This reversal sends a devastating message to our staff and to the families we care for that fair pay and essential services are negotiable. They are not.
“The Scottish Government made a public commitment to fair pay and sustainable services, but we are being left with broken promises and growing deficits.
“We urge the Scottish Government and local partnerships to act now before we are forced to withdraw services that thousands of people across Edinburgh and the Lothians rely on every year.”
Hospices are an integral part of Scotland’s healthcare system and must be treated as such. They need sustainable, equitable funding. The government must act now to ensure a consistent national approach to hospice funding.
Hospices deliver vital, high-quality care that the NHS relies on, and they must be supported, not penalised, for working to achieve fair pay for their staff.
A 16-year-old male youth has been arrested in connection with the death of a 22-year-old man in Leith yesterday (Tuesday, 2 September, 2025).
Around 2.10am, police received a report a man had been injured on Great Junction Street at Bonnington Road, Edinburgh.
Emergency services attended, however the 22-year-old man died at the scene.
His next of kin are aware and are being supported by specialist officers. Formal identification has yet to take place.
Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Pleasance of the Major Investigations Team said: “Our thoughts remain with the man’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“Officers remain in the area carrying out enquiries as our investigation continues, and we would urge anyone with concerns to speak to them.”
Want to help improve services for British Sign Language (BSL) in the Lothian area? Come along to a public event for BSL users and their families to share your views on how to deliver our BSL Plan!
Latest figures highlight 146 children waiting more than a year for mental health treatment, says SCSC
For the third consecutive quarter in a row, there has been continued progress on waiting times for children and young people’s mental health care.
From April to June this year, 91.8% of those referred to CAMHS were seen within 18 weeks, according to the latest statistics from Public Health Scotland. This is a slight increase from 91.6% in the previous quarter, and above the national standard of 90%.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said: “I welcome the continued progress in these services – staff across Scotland are working hard to ensure children and young people are getting the support they need when they need it, and I am grateful for their continued dedication.
“We have exceeded our promise to provide funding for 320 additional staff for CAMHS by 2026, and this will have contributed to the improvements we are seeing.
“However, I am aware there is still more to do to ensure standards are consistent across the country and we are supporting all NHS Boards to meet the standard and continue development in the delivery of CAMHS and all mental health services.”
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, is calling for parity of action and parity of spend as new figures highlight 146 children and young people have been waiting more than a year for mental health treatment in Scotland.
These figures were highlighted in the latest waiting time statistics from Public Health Scotland published today (2nd September), indicating that 146 children and young people had been waiting over a year for treatment from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in the quarter ending June 2025.1
Additionally, 271 individuals have been waiting for between nine months and a year for treatment.
The figures come out following a Freedom of Information request to NHS Boards that found that in 2024/25, a patient in NHS Highland waited 1189 days – more than three years – for treatment by CAMHS, and in NHS Tayside, a patient has been waiting 1,137 days to start treatment. 2
The Scottish Government’s target, dating back to December 2014, states that 90 per cent of children and young people should start treatment within 18 weeks of referral to CAMHS.
This comes against the background of a mental health emergency, with an increasing demand on services, exacerbated by the long shadow of the Covid lockdown and cost-of-living crisis.
Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, cases of poor mental health in children and young people were at unprecedented levels, with overstretched and under-resourced services struggling to keep pace with growing demand.
However, it should be noted that despite this greatly increased demand, only 0.82 per cent of the total frontline NHS budget was spent on CAMHS in the 2023/24 financial year, amounting to £134.188 million (real terms). This equates to just 82p in every £100 of the NHS budget. 3
A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “The latest figures highlighting that 146 children and young people have been waiting over a year for mental health treatment are extremely alarming.
“While the fact that the Scottish Government is meeting its waiting time target is to be welcomed, many children and young people are still waiting years for help, which worsens their mental health and is a sure-fire way to add to their pain.
“What we need is not just parity of esteem between mental health and physical health, it’s parity of action and parity of spend.
“We are facing a mental health emergency, and many of our children and young people are at breaking point, with stress and anxiety reaching alarming levels as they battle with the long shadow of lockdown and the rising cost of living. This is also having a negative impact on classroom behaviour, affecting the young people concerned, their fellow pupils and staff.
“Each one of these statistics is an individual, and we would urge the Scottish Government to ensure the adequate resourcing of mental health services for our children and young people so that they can get the care and support they need, without lengthy waits.”
In response to today’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services figures, chief executive of Children First Mary Glasgow said: “Today’s figures show the importance of keeping the spotlight on children’s mental health.
“The reduction in waiting times is welcome, but while four months is the target, it is still too long, especially when children are suffering in severe distress.
“By urgently investing in more early help and support the Scottish Government can prevent children reaching a point of emergency.
“Every day our support line and our teams across Scotland hear from children and young people with high levels of worry and anxiety coming to us desperate for help.”
“If you are worried about your child our friendly support line team is here for you on 08000 28 22 33.”
The number of deaths caused by drug misuse fell by 13% to 1,017 last year – the lowest level registered since 2017.
According to statistics published by National Records of Scotland yesterday, there were 155 fewer deaths in 2024 compared to the previous year.
The statistics showed that people in the most deprived areas were 12 times more likely to die from drugs as those in least deprived areas. This is a drop from 15 times more likely in 2023.
There was also a drop in the number of deaths among young people with 34 under-25s compared with 58 in 2023.
However, Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said there is still work to be done by the Scottish Government to deal with the harm caused by drugs.
During a visit to The Scheme Livi recovery project, which offers a variety of creative workshops to support people dealing with substance use, Ms Todd said: “My heartfelt condolences go to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through drugs.
“It is welcome that we have seen progress with the number of deaths at the lowest level since 2017, but I know there is still work to be done and we will continue to do everything we can to save and improve lives.
“This is particularly true as we face new threats from highly dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazenes, which further raise the risk of overdose and death.
“That is why we are providing record levels of funding for drugs and alcohol programmes and widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone. We have also supported and funded the opening of the UK’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility and are working at pace to deliver drug-checking facilities.
“The spread of grassroots support, enhanced by our funding of more than 300 organisations and projects, has also made a difference on the ground. However, we will always want to do more and will continue to work hard to adapt to new patterns of consumption and demand to direct support where it is most needed.”
The Scheme Livi co-founder Aidan Martin said: “At The Scheme Livi, we’ve seen first-hand how grassroots projects, supported by Corra, can transform lives. Since launching full-time in March 2023, we’ve welcomed over 3,100 attendees, with 524 unique footprints, to our free creative workshops, which carry both therapeutic and creative benefits.
“These attendee numbers highlight the real need for safe, supportive spaces for people impacted by addiction, trauma, mental health challenges, social isolation, and social deprivation.”
The annual report for drug related deaths from the National Records of Scotland, published today, shows that there were 1017 drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2024; a decrease of 13% (155 deaths) compared to 2023.
The report also highlights the worrying extent of premature mortality, with 46% of deaths (467) occurring in the 35-49 age group, similar to 2023, when this age group accounted for 49% of deaths (583).
Opioids continue to be the most common drug type implicated in drug-related deaths (80%), which reflects a similar picture to 2023.
Reflecting on the publication of the figures, Dr Tara Shivaji, Consultant at Public Health Scotland (PHS), said:“We must all take a moment to pause and reflect on the stark reality of this report.
“These deaths are not just numbers; they reflect real people in our communities and families. Those who are working tirelessly within the system will feel the weight today as drug related deaths, and harm, continues to be one of the most significant public health challenges in Scotland.
“Whilst there was a slight decrease in deaths from 2023, Scotland continues to have one of the highest drug death rates in the developed world. Our most recent RADAR quarterly report showed an increase in drug harms during 2025.
“In order to tackle this, we must also address the underlying social determinants of health. Poverty, homelessness, trauma, and stigma play a key role in further entrenching the problematic drug use. We are working with health boards, local authorities and third sector organisations right across the country to reduce these inequalities.
“Scotland’s Population Health Framework 2025-2035 sets out a vision that we, collectively, need to focus on prevention and create supportive environments that promote health and wellbeing and reduce health harming activities.
“Through research and consultation, PHS is working across the system to actively engage with partners, stakeholders and people with lived and living experience.
“Our aim is to prevent substance use harm – making sure our schools, families and communities can reduce early risks and support healthier futures.”
COSLA has issued a short statement following statistics published today (2nd September 2025) on drug-related deaths in Scotland.
A COSLA Spokesperson said: “Every death from drug misuse is a tragedy. These numbers represent loved ones: parents, sons, daughters and siblings. It is a stark reminder of the challenges we still need to overcome across the public and third sectors to end deaths of this nature.
“Local Authorities continue to work in partnership with a wide range of agencies to support to people affected by addiction and drug misuse, and reduce the devastating impacts on our communities.”
Edinburgh’s pioneering Regenerative Futures Fund has reached a major milestone in its long-term effort to shift power and resources into the hands of communities tackling poverty, racism and the climate crisis.
From 97 proposals, a Panel, made up of 15 Edinburgh residents with direct experience of poverty and racism, selected 34 projects to advance to the next stage of funding.
50% of selected projects are led by Black and People of Colour, reflecting the city’s commitment to dismantling racism, tackling the climate transition, ending poverty, and addressing the interconnected challenges shaping a just and thriving future.
Included among the projects initially selected are local initiatives Lauriston Farm Collective, Muirhouse Youth Development Group and R2 (above).
The Resident’s Panel has spent months listening, learning and working through each application with care, mapping projects across the City by geography, theme, and approach. Projects selected will enter the capacity-building phase, from August until December, giving groups the time, space and funding to develop full proposals for long-term, unrestricted funding.
Proposals submitted at the start of 2026 will then be considered for an annual award of £100,000, for ten years. Between 10 and fifteen projects will be selected.
However, the work of the fund goes beyond this as all 34 groups, and dozens more from the initial 97 projects, have registered interest in joining the Regenerative Futures Fund wider network for peer learning, collaboration and collective action – a shared movement for the future of Edinburgh.
“We’re here to build movements, as well as to distribute funds,” says Aala Ross, Co-Head of the Fund. “If we accept that the Fund exists to redistribute power, not just resources, we can reimagine our role as something more powerful.
We nurture conditions for collective power, we build trust across difference, and we learn together, to challenge the systems that shape our lives.”
Leah Black, Co-Head, adds: “We’re flipping the usual script on funding. We’re saying: here’s the time, here’s the space, here’s the support – now let’s imagine and build the future we actually want.
“That’s what makes this different. It’s rooted in care, equity and collaboration, and it’s led by the people who live and breathe these challenges every day.”
The Regenerative Futures Fund is backed by some of the UK’s biggest charitable funders, including the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund, The Robertson Trust, Turn2us Edinburgh Trust, Foundation Scotland and City of Edinburgh Council.
Crucially, these funders have stepped back from decision-making, placing control firmly with local people.
City Council Leader Jane Meagher said “Five years ago, Edinburgh became the first UK city to set a target date to end poverty.To achieve this, we must be ambitious and drive the change that is so greatly needed, which means being brave and being innovative.
“We know this is a challenging time for the third sector and we’re working to increase stability for organisations. By giving greater, longer-term support to community projects, they can get on with what they do best – supporting residents, tackling poverty, and changing lives.
“Edinburgh’s Regenerative Futures Fund is a unique new fund to help us achieve just that and end poverty together.
“I’m excited to see a shortlist drawn up by individuals with lived experience of poverty and looking forward to funding awards being presented early next year.”
In September, the wider network of applicants and community groups will come together for the first time to begin a city-wide journey of learning, connection and shared action.
The Fund is also inviting new partners, funders, donors, philanthropists and supporters to join this long-term collaborative effort to reimagine how resources are shared in the city.
PLAN TO END CHLDREN LIVING IN UNSUITABLE ACCOMMODATION, SUPPORT VULNERABLE GROUPS AND BOOST INVESTMENT
Cabinet Secretary for Housing Màiri McAllan has published the Housing Emergency Action Plan to tackle the housing crisis.
The plan focuses on three key areas – ending children living in unsuitable accommodation, supporting the housing needs of vulnerable groups and supporting growth and investment in the housing sector.
In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, the Housing Secretary set out a number of key commitments, including:
A new commitment to invest up to £4.9 billion over the next four years, delivering around 36,000 affordable homes by 2029-30 and providing a home for up to 24,000 children.
Doubling investment in acquisitions this year to £80 million, which will help take between 600-800 children out of temporary accommodation.
Implement Awaab’s Law from March 2026, starting with damp and mould, subject to parliamentary approval, to ensure landlords promptly address issues hazardous to tenants.
A new £1 million national ‘fund to leave’ to provide financial support for up to 1,200 women and their children to leave an abusive partner.
Unlocking land for housing in rural areas by working with the Scottish National Investment Bank, landowners and public bodies
A new Ministerial direction to planning authorities.
Ms McAllan said: “Tackling the housing emergency will be a cornerstone in our efforts to achieve the Scottish Government’s key priority of eradicating child poverty. I am determined this action plan will deliver positive and lasting change.
“At the heart of my mission is ensuring children are not spending time in unsuitable accommodation or long periods in temporary accommodation; that the housing needs of vulnerable communities are met and that we create the optimum conditions for confidence and investment in Scotland’s housing sector.
“Our efforts so far since declaring a housing emergency have seen 2,700 families with children into a permanent home, up to December 2024. Our action plan will see tens of thousands more families have a place they can call home.
“Since I took up the role of Cabinet Secretary I have listened to calls from the sector for multi-year funding to give housebuilders more long-term certainty.
“Today I have committed to investing up to £4.9 billion in affordable homes over the next four years. This long-term certainty and increase in funding will support delivery of around 36,000 affordable homes and provide up to 24,000 children with a warm, safe home.
“We cannot tackle this emergency alone though and I need everyone from across the private and public sector to pull together and deliver this plan to ensure everyone in Scotland has access to a safe, warm and affordable home.”
Crisis Scotland’s Head of Policy and Communications Maeve McGoldrick said: “We welcome today’s announcement. Homelessness is the most acute form of poverty, and we see the damage it does through our frontline services every day.
“Investment in new housing will help prevent more people being forced from their homes, while the expansion of Housing First will provide a vital route out of homelessness for people who have been let down by services for too long.
“We can’t allow more people to be trapped in the limbo of the homelessness system– we need to act now to help build a Scotland where everyone has a safe, secure place to call home.”
Scottish Women’s Aid CEO Dr Marsha Scott said: “Scottish Women’s Aid warmly welcomes announcement of a roll-out of the original Fund to Leave pilots to the rest of Scotland.
“Every day we and our local Women’s Aid services see women and children struggling to get free of an abuser. The Fund to Leave offers a critical helping hand when women and children need it most.
‘Leaving’ is difficult and dangerous, and the Fund to Leave is such an important step to making leaving and staying free from an abuser a reality across Scotland.”
Right There works to prevent people becoming homeless and separated from their loved ones, and believes everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
Commenting on the plan, CEO, Janet Haugh said: “Scotland is in the midst of a national housing emergency which needs ambitious and robust action to reverse it.
“We are encouraged that today’s plan recognises the crisis our country is in, with over 53,000 people currently without a home, and over 10,000 children living in temporary accommodation.
“We welcome the focus on ending children’s time in unsuitable or temporary accommodation. Every child deserves a safe, stable place to call home – it is the foundation of wellbeing, learning and hope for the future.
“We know that a house alone is not enough. The right support around people – whether they are rebuilding after domestic abuse, facing poverty, or at risk of homelessness – is vital to turn housing into a home.
“We see every day the pressure on families and individuals waiting far too long in temporary accommodation. While progress is welcome, the reality is that thousands still need urgent solutions.
“We stand ready to play our part. Local organisations like Right There can be powerful delivery partners, bringing together housing, support and community. Sustainable investment and genuine collaboration will be critical.
“Housing is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about fairness, dignity, and giving people the chance to thrive. The Housing Emergency Action Plan will only succeed if it holds true to those values.”
POLICE have received reports of rogue traders operating in Edinburgh recently. Be on guard if someone attends at your door offering to carry out work or offering services. Don’t be afraid to say ‘No Thank You’.
Rogue traders usually cold-call, claiming to be workers offering to sell services, make repairs or carry out work on your house, garden or driveway. In reality they charge inflated prices for shoddy or unnecessary work.
We DO NOT recommend dealing with cold-callers for property maintenance and home repairs
If someone calls on you:
•Don’t feel pressurised into agreeing to immediate work or buying a product or service.
•Don’t agree to buy from the first person who calls.
•Don’t pay cash up front or offer to go and get money.
•Shop around if you decide you need work done.
•Ask what your cancellation rights are.
•Report them.
If you think work needs done get at least three quotes from trusted companies. Use The Edinburgh Trusted Trader Scheme to find tradespeople who have been checked and vetted by both Police and Trading Standards officers:
If you think a rogue trader or bogus caller has called on you, or been in your street, report this to the police immediately on 101 or in the case of an emergency, dial 999.
If you would rather remain anonymous, you can report any incidents to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please share this advice with family, friends or neighbours who may be vulnerable.
Scottish army HQ reborn as first phase of new redevelopment sells out
IN just over a year, the first phase of a former Edinburgh army headquarters has been transformed from derelict barracks into a thriving new community.
Craigiehall Meadows, formerly Craigiehall Barracks, has now reached a major milestone with Hillside Road, the first phase of the development to come to market, has now completely sold out.
In summer 2024, work began to breathe new life into 78 long-abandoned houses that once housed generations of army families.
Just over a year on, the first phase has seen 26 homes sold, worth a combined £7,185,000, and is already home to a thriving community of 53 people.
Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer, which oversees all sales at Craigiehall Meadows, said: “When work first began just over a year ago, we knew we had a huge challenge ahead of us to bring this site to life and create something really special.
“The whole team has been incredible. Together, we’ve taken what was once an empty, forgotten place and turned it into one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after new communities in a truly beautiful location.
“To have sold out Hillside Road in just over a year is amazing. We always believed this would be a popular development, but the demand has gone far beyond what we imagined.
“Now, seeing this part of the development alive with families settling in, first-time buyers putting down roots and young professionals building their futures, all so happy in their new homes, makes every bit of the hard work worthwhile.”
The second phase of the development at Craigiehall Meadows launched in May, introduced two new streets, Riverside Road and Primrose Drive.
Riverside Road features 27 detached homes, 21 four-bedroom properties in the Holly, Hazel, Oak and Yew styles, along with six five-bedroom homes in the Pine and Alder styles.
A short walk away, Primrose Drive offers eight substantial five-bedroom Willow homes. Together, the 35 new homes combine generous space, landscaped gardens, high-quality finishes and modern, energy-efficient features, with prices ranging from £550,000 to £600,000.
Tzana added: “Hillside Road was our core focus for a long time, but now that this chapter has closed, we’re fully focused on driving forward with phase two and we’re confident Riverside Road and Primrose Drive will be every bit as successful.
“We’ve already seen an incredible amount of interest in these homes, and it’s easy to understand why. They’re spacious, beautifully finished and set in a location that’s perfect for families who want both room to grow and a real sense of community.
“With larger detached homes, landscaped gardens and the backdrop of the River Almond and surrounding woodlands, this next chapter offers something really special, and we can’t wait to welcome the next group of buyers into Craigiehall Meadows.”
Craigiehall Meadows is the latest chapter in the long story of a site that once played a central role in Scotland’s military history.
Established in 1939 to house army families, it became the Scottish Army Headquarters in 1951 and was active for decades, with regiments including The Black Watch based there until the barracks closed in 2019.
Now, the site is being carefully reimagined. What was once a military stronghold is fast becoming one of Edinburgh’s most desirable new neighbourhoods.
The site offers a tranquil, semi-rural lifestyle, just minutes from Cammo, Cramond and Dalmeny, yet still perfectly connected to the capital.
Viewings are now open by appointment for the Riverside Road and Primrose Drive show homes.
Early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. To arrange a slot, contact Ralph Sayer on 0131 225 5567 or property@ralphsayer.com
To learn more about Craigiehall Meadows, please visit:
Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy visited Glasgow ahead of his Tour De 4 cycling event this Sunday to meet charity fundraisers supporting his drive to raise awareness of people living with stage four cancer.
Sir Chris met with namesake Chris Donnelly a financial accountant with ScottishPower, who lost his uncle Tam Donnelly to prostate cancer and is supporting his dad James Donnelly who is recovering after surgery at University Hospital, Hairmyres for prostate cancer in July.
The 33-year-old dad of one is part of the ScottishPower 12-strong cycling team that will be taking part in Sir Chris’ inaugural Tour de 4 taking place in Glasgow on Sunday (7th September).
The two Chris’ met at an event at ScottishPower’s headquarters that saw the sporting legend talk to over 300 members of staff about his drive to challenge perceptions around living with stage four cancer whilst raising vital funds for cancer charities across the UK.
ScottishPower is a long-standing supporter of Cancer Research UK (CRUK), having raised over £40million from a number of staff and customer initiatives including its sponsorship of the Race for Life event series. It recently confirmed it would be backing Tour De 4 as an Official Partner.
Sir Chris Hoy said: “Tour de 4’s aim is to raise a million pounds for cancer charities across the UK, but I think it’s equally important to challenge perceptions of what stage four cancer diagnosis can look like.
“There will be people riding on the day who will have stage four cancer, like myself, who if you saw them, you wouldn’t necessarily know they have a terminal diagnosis. I want to show that there are people like me who are living life, keeping active and not letting every day be about cancer.
“Research and support is vital to help those living with cancer live longer and in some cases, live better and I’m delighted ScottishPower are invested in my vision to help raise awareness and vital funds whilst building a very special community through an event I hope will run for many years to come. I’m looking forward to seeing him and the team at the starting line.
“It’s been great to chat with a fellow Chris here and listen to his family story, and to hear how, like mine, they’re pulling together, not just to support each other but to fundraise to help others too.”
Chris Donnelly said: “I have huge admiration for everything Sir Chris Hoy is doing to support those affected by cancer and it’s been really valuable to hear his insights on how to prepare for Tour de 4.
“I’m proud to be taking part in the challenge with the ScottishPower team as this feels close to home and the people I love. I’m proud of how my dad has taken on everything cancer has thrown at him. He’s doing well now and slowly but surely recovering.”
Chris Donnelly, a busy dad to his daughter Rosa who celebrates her first birthday next month, finds cycling is a powerful way to reset after a long day.
He said: “I really enjoy getting out in the open air and the beautiful Scottish countryside. By being active, it’s a chance to switch off and hopefully help make a difference by raising funds for life-saving research too.”
Andrew Ward, CEO ScottishPower’s Customer Business, said:“It’s both humbling and inspiring to hear Sir Chris Hoy talk to our team about his diagnosis and his drive to raise as much awareness and funds as possible through Tour de 4.
“At ScottishPower, we’ve worked alongside Cancer Research UK for over a decade, helping raise more than £40million to help power their vital life-saving research.
“Backing this remarkable challenge builds on our long-standing commitment to help raise awareness and vital funds in the fight against cancer, and we share the drive and determination of Sir Chris in supporting those who are affected by cancer.”
Michelle Mitchell, CEO Cancer Research UK, added:“We’re incredibly proud to stand alongside Sir Chris Hoy and ScottishPower in supporting Tour de 4.
“This inspiring event raises vital funds for cancer research and shines a light on the realities of living with stage 4 cancer. Sir Chris’ courage and determination are helping to change perceptions and build a powerful community of support.
“Every mile cycled and every pound raised brings us closer to a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. We’re deeply grateful to everyone taking part and to ScottishPower for their continued commitment to our life-saving work.”
Around 5,000 people are expected to take part in the Tour de 4 event this Sunday across four rides starting and finishing at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, – a 92km road ride, a 60km option, a 1km family loop in the velodrome grounds and a static bike ride in the centre of the velodrome.
Participants are encouraged to raise money for the cancer charity that means the most to them, including ScottishPower’s long-standing partner Cancer Research UK.
ScottishPower employees will be taking part to help raise vital funds while others will show their support by volunteering at the event with special merchandise and fun activities for all ages to enjoy at their marquee in the festival event village.
The ever-popular ScottishPower Pipe Band will be on hand to keep participants and supporters entertained throughout the day and the green energy company has also given every participant a reusable water bottle to use while training, at the event itself and beyond.
The leading renewable energy company, its customers and employees have supported Cancer Research UK since 2012 – helping the charity to realise its vision to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
Through a wide range of fundraising initiatives, it has been a key supporter of the charity’s pioneering research and has raised over £40 million for life-saving cancer research over the last decade.
