Scotland has taken an ‘important step forward’ in recognising childhood dementia by funding specialist support for families affected by it, Health Secretary Neil Gray has said.
The Scottish Government is providing £118,873 to Alzheimer Scotland to support the employment of two childhood dementia development officers – the first country in the United Kingdom to fund this kind of dedicated support.
The development officers will be responsible to raising awareness of childhood dementia, developing understanding amongst professionals, and ensuring a support network is in place for families affected by it.
Childhood dementia is a term used to describe a range of rare, inherited conditions that affect children and young people. Often life-limiting, it can lead to symptoms more commonly associated with adult dementia – including loss of speech, memory, mobility and the ability to carry out everyday tasks.
Mr Gray said: “My sympathies go out to any young people and families affected by childhood dementia.
“Childhood dementia may still be considered rare but for many it can be life-limiting. That’s why we’re doing all we can to maximise life expectancy and to ensure families have access to the support and care they need.
“The First Minister and I recently met with campaigners and families living with childhood dementia. I thank them for sharing their experiences and that meeting had a profound impact on us.
“That’s why I’m pleased we have become the first country in the United Kingdom to provide specialised support, through Alzheimer Scotland, for childhood dementia. It’s an important step forward in recognising the impact of childhood dementia in Scotland and providing the care and advice to those who need it.”
SMALL CHANGE, BIG DIFFERENCE: SCOTMID PARTNERS WITH PENNIES FOR DEMENTIA SUPPORT
Scotmid has introduced a quick and easy way for customers to support people living with dementia, through a new partnership with the charity Pennies, trusted leader in micro-donations. The digital micro-donation option is now available in all Scotmid and Semichem stores across Edinburgh.
Customers paying by card, contactless or digital wallet can now choose to add a 10p donation to their purchase, with donations supporting Scotmid’s annual charity partner, Alzheimer Scotland. These small contributions will help fund vital services for people and families affected by dementia, supporting care, advice and community initiatives across Scotland.
The initiative builds on Scotmid’s long-standing commitment to supporting local causes and offers a simple, sustainable way for shoppers to give back in a cashless world.
This year’s partnership with Alzheimer Scotland, announced in October, will be the first to benefit. The charity also aims to reach younger audiences with information on brain health through school and community engagement.
Karen Scott, Scotmid Chief Executive, said: “We know how much our members, colleagues and customers care about supporting local people.
“This partnership with Pennies gives everyone the chance to help in a way that feels easy and affordable. It’s community compassion in action, 10p at a time.”
Alison Hutchinson CBE, CEO of Penniessaid: “We’re thrilled to welcome Scotmid to the Pennies family.
“As Scotland’s largest independent co-operative, Scotmid has deep roots in its communities – and this partnership will enable thousands of people to make a meaningful contribution every day.
“Together, we’re harnessing the power of digital giving to reach more people, in more places, for more causes. Just £10 in micro-donations could provide a whole class of 25 children with a brain-health handbook on how to look after their amazing brains. Thank you!”
Scotmid’s collaboration with Pennies reflects its ongoing commitment to finding innovative ways for customers and members to support the communities they live in. Pennies’ micro-donation solution will continue to be used across future charity partnerships, helping causes benefit from collective generosity.
People across Edinburgh and the east are being encouraged to sign up for a fundraising walk that pays tribute to people with dementia.
Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk 2025 takes place on Sunday, 26 October and will raise vital funds to support dementia care, research and improvements in brain health.
Communities across the area are being invited to join the event in Lauriston Castle Gardens on Cramond Road South, where they can walk in memory of loved ones affected by the illness.
The Edinburgh event is the last of four memory walks taking place across Scotland throughout 2025.
Events have also taken place in Dundee, Aberdeen and Glasgow. Tickets cost just £10 for adults and children can be registered for free. It’s quick and easy to set up a sponsorship page, which can be shared with family, friends and colleagues.
Every penny raised will help people with dementia and their carers, as well as supporting better brain health for everyone in Scotland.
Scotland’s Memory Walk is also about celebrating the lives of people with dementia and walking to remember them.
Among those taking part is Karen Witherspoon from Cleikiminfield, Edinburgh.She will be walking in memory of her mum Margaret Walker who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and passed away in 2024 aged 82.
Karen, 61, a university administration manager, will be joined on the walk by husband John, daughters Lauren, 37, and Amy, 32, and son-in-law Patrick.
She said: “My mum Margaret was such a loving person who was devoted to her family. She was always there for me and my sister Nicola, and when I had my daughters she spent almost every day with them.
“She loved bingo, reading and music, and kept fit by going for walks with my dad William and her best pal Pat.
“She was the best mum.
“We started noticing signs that things weren’t quite right and then in 2021 she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It seemed to progress fast, but we did our best to make the most of the time we had with her.
“Alzheimer Scotland have been a great source of advice and support for us, and before mum passed she joined us on our first memory walk to raise money for them – walking around Arthur’s Seat.
“It felt good to be able to give back and this year we’ll be taking part in the memory walk again. Whatever we raise, I hope it helps support the work Alzheimer Scotland are doing so that other families like ours can get the help and support they need.
“It’s a shame mum isn’t here to join in, but we’ll be doing it in her memory. I hope she’s looking down and is proud of us.”
Lauren Heap, Centre Manager for Alzheimer Scotland’s Edinburgh and West Lothian’s Brain Health and Dementia Resource Centre, said: “Alzheimer Scotland is proud to support people living with dementia and their families and carers, from our centres here in Edinburgh.
“We are delighted to host this Memory Walk in Edinburgh. It is such a special event and it will be wonderful to walk alongside our supporters again in the local community.
“Scotland’s Memory Walk has always had a wonderful ability to bring people together. Every pound raised helps Alzheimer Scotland continue to develop and deliver vital dementia support. We can’t wait to see Lauriston Castle Gardens filled with a sea of purple t-shirts.”
To find out more and to sign up for Scotland’s Memory Walk, visit:
An exciting new charity partnership will help take action against dementia across Scotland and beyond with a giant inflatable brain tour as part of an innovative brain health programme.
Alzheimer Scotland has been selected as the Charity Partner for 2025/26 by Scotmid, which is Scotland’s largest independent co-operative and includes Semichem, Lake & Dales Coop, Scotmid Funerals and Fosters Funeral Directors.
Studies indicate that up to 45% of dementia cases worldwide may be preventable, often through making simple lifestyle changes.
As part of its ambitious plans for the 12-month partnership, Alzheimer Scotland will spread this prevention message by investing in a giant, walk-through inflatable brain – named Babs the Brain in honour of the late Dame Barbara Windsor, who died in 2020 of Alzheimer’s disease.
”Babs” will embark on a Big Brain Tour of Scotland, visiting stores as well as community venues.
At each stop, people can step inside the inflatable to learn how different areas of the brain work, enjoy interactive activities, and make their own personal brain health pledge.
The partnership will raise vital funds for brain health initiatives across Scotland, while Alzheimer’s Society will provide support to reach communities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The partnership was officially launched at Scotmid’s HQ in Newbridge, Edinburgh, where colleagues and pupils from Hillwood Primary School were among the first to experience Babs the Brain.
Dame Barbara’s widower Scott Mitchell attended the event and has given the project his full support.
Henry Simmons, Alzheimer Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “Alzheimer Scotland is delighted to be embarking on this charity partnership with Scotmid. We see this as the start of a shared mission to empower people of all ages to protect their brain health, reduce their risk of dementia, and help make sure that nobody faces dementia alone.
“This partnership gives us a unique opportunity to expand the work we do by finding creative ways to empower communities across Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland to look after their brain health.
“Not only will we raise vital funds, we will also leave a lasting legacy beyond this partnership of healthier habits, stronger connections, and better awareness of dementia prevention.”
Karen Scott, Scotmid’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re truly delighted to join forces with Alzheimer Scotland.This partnership isn’t just about fundraising – it’s about coming together with our communities to create real, positive change.
“By working hand in hand, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by dementia across Scotland.”
Scott Mitchell, who was appointed People’s Champion for the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals programme, said: “Babs the Brain and the brain health prevention work Alzheimer Scotland will be doing alongside it is a wonderful legacy for Barbara and something she would be proud to put her name to.
“I have no doubt she would have treated us to one of her famous giggles for the name alone!”
Other initiatives planned for the coming year include in-store ‘brain healthy’ shopping experiences, from recipe cards to highlighting ‘brain-boosting choices’.
Funds raised will also support Alzheimer Scotland’s STARS: My Amazing Brain schools project, which brings brain health education to children and families nationwide.
Christmas arrived early for some Edinburgh care home residents this week, with a festive lunch and film afternoon at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).
In collaboration with catering partner, Leith’s, the event catering division of Compass Scotland, the EICC produced a special event for local people with Dementia. 100 guests were invited for a traditional two-course Christmas lunch while they watched the Christmas classic, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ on the big screen.
The Leith’s and EICC teams approached local care homes, agencies and charities to invite residents to attend the free event and enjoy some festive cheer in the lead up to Christmas. Residents and carers joined the event from Home Instead, Colinton Care Home, St Margarets Care Home, Alzheimer Scotland, Viewpoint Housing Association and Re-Engage Edinburgh.
Guests were greeted with a glass of bucks fizz to start the celebration, before enjoying a starter of either Cock-a-leekie terrine with pickled vegetables and tomato chutney or celeriac and sun blushed tomato tartare with oatcakes, followed by roast turkey or a roast butternut squash pave with all the trimmings. The afternoon was rounded off by coffee or tea and mince pies.
This is the third time the EICC has hosted the festive film afternoon for local care home residents. The event was carefully considered and supported to ensure it was comfortable, calm and enjoyable for all.
As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, this activity is in line with its ‘Our Social Promise’, which launched in 2022. This includes a Mission to a Million commitment, to provide support to one million people by 2030 through jobs, training, community engagement and development.
Claire McHardy, Leith’s General Manager at EICC said: “We understand the importance of social connections for older people, so we were pleased to be able to reach out to these organisations to help us put on this event.
“It was a lovely Christmassy afternoon, and it was heartwarming to see the joy that our food and the film brought to our guests.”
Lisa Moodie Commissioned Service Lead for Edinburgh & Lothians at Alzheimer Scotland said:“Alzheimer Scotland was delighted to be invited to the EICC’s festive film and lunch.
“The people we support thoroughly enjoyed the chance to watch a classic film over a festive lunch. Thank you to the EICC for reaching out to involve us.”
Marshall Dallas, EICC Chief Executive commented: “We’ve worked closelywith Alzheimer Scotland over the last ten years, holding their annual conference here at the EICC.
“We have also hosted social gatherings for Re-engage, so we’re really pleased to welcome guests today from these organisations, together with guests from local care homes, as we enjoy a wonderful festive occasion.”
Residents and staff at an Edinburgh care home have joined a fundraising challenge that pays tribute to people with dementia by walking more than three miles around their gardens.
More than a dozen residents and staff from HC-One Scotland’s Murrayfield House Care Home have teamed up to take part in Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk fundraising campaign.
With the aid of frames and wheelchairs, the residents – aged from 77 to 97 – have been walking around the care home’s gardens and along nearby Murrayfield Avenue, gathering donations in local shops along the way.
Led by wellbeing coordinator Margaret Finch, the walkers aim to complete the 5km challenge in stages over a number of days.
They have already raised more than £1,000 and counting – smashing their initial target of £300 – but hope to raise even more vital funds to support dementia care, research and improvements in brain health.
Margaret, 63, from the city’s Silverknowes area, has worked at Murrayfield House Care Home for five years.
She said: “The residents and staff were keen to do the Memory Walk because so many of us have either had support from Alzheimer Scotland or have a loved one who has been affected by dementia. My late mum had vascular dementia so I’ve had first-hand experience of the impact this illness can have.
“Alzheimer Scotland do such important work – funding research and fighting the stigma around dementia – and we are all determined to raise as much money as we can for them.
“Our manager Fiona Truesdale gave us the idea to organise the Memory Walk and we’ve had such great support for it from the whole team, including my fellow wellbeing coordinator Norma Mackie.
“The residents have loved putting on their purple t-shirts and taking part.”
One of the oldest walkers is 96-year-old retired engineer Douglas Lamond. Douglas said: “I like to keep fit by doing exercises every morning, so I was delighted to take part in the Memory Walk and cheer the group on.”
Other walkers included Doreen Hall, 88, who lives at the home with husband David, 88, and Elspeth Braidwood, 80, a former Sunday school teacher who used to work at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
Doreen’s daughter Debbie said: “My mum Doreen has dementia and Alzheimer Scotland have been a great support, not just for her but also for my dad David who cared for her when they both lived in their own home.
“It’s wonderful that they have the opportunity to support the charity through the Memory Walk.”
The Memory Walk campaign allows people across Scotland to take part in organised events throughout September, or to complete the challenge at a time and place that suits them by doing Your Walk, Your Way.
Events are taking place in Inverness, Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow. Tickets cost just £10 for adults and children can be registered for free. It’s quick and easy to set up a sponsorship page, which can be shared with family, friends and colleagues.
Every penny raised will help people with dementia and their carers, as well as supporting better brain health for everyone in Scotland.
Lauren Heap, centre manager for Alzheimer Scotland’s Edinburgh and West Lothian Brain Health and Dementia Resource Centre, said: “Alzheimer Scotland is proud to support people living with dementia and their families and carers, from our centre here in Edinburgh.
“Scotland’s Memory Walk has always had a wonderful ability to bring people together. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the lives of people with dementia and walk to remember them. Every pound raised helps Alzheimer Scotland continue to develop and deliver vital dementia support.”
To find out more and to sign up for Scotland’s Memory Walk, visit memorywalk.alzscot.org
Homebuilder’s team in Edinburgh supports Alzheimer Scotland with fitness challenge
Miller Homes Scotland East is supporting Alzheimer Scotland with a donation of £10,595 following recent fundraising efforts that saw the homebuilder’s Edinburgh team complete a month-long step count challenge, alongside other colleagues in the East of Scotland.
For each mile a Scotland East employee stepped during the challenge, Miller Homes pledged to donate £1 to Alzheimer Scotland, resulting in thousands raised for Scotland’s dementia charity.
Making a real difference to the lives of people living in and around the communities Miller Homes is building in, this challenge allowed employees in Edinburgh to stay fit through a variety of exercise methods, from hill walking and running, to taking part in basketball, netball and football games.
Neil Gaffney, Sales Director for Miller Homes Scotland East, is exceptionally proud of the fundraising efforts from the Edinburgh team. He said: “The team members from our head office and West Craigs Manor development in Edinburgh certainly know how to accept a challenge and this charity fundraiser was no different.
“Each employee took this incentive in their stride, quite literally, raising a staggering total for Alzheimer Scotland, a charity we know is close to so many of our employees’ hearts.
“Not only have we been able to provide a cash boost for a great cause, we’ve also been able to encourage our employees in Edinburgh to come together through exercise and improve their overall health and wellbeing.”
Tom Pavey, Fundraising and Engagement Coordinator for Alzheimer Scotland said: “We are delighted to receive this very generous donation from Miller Homes, the support from its employees throughout this partnership has been extraordinary.
“Alzheimer Scotland depends on fundraising and every penny raised will help us to continue to fund our vital network of Dementia Advisors, Dementia Centres and 24-hour Freephone Dementia Helpline, that all provide critical support for people living with dementia and those who care for them.
“This donation from Miller Homes helps us to Prevent Today, Care Now and Cure Tomorrow.”
For more information on Alzheimer Scotland, visit www.alzscot.org/.
To find out more about Miller Homes’ community work, visit:
PARTICIPANTS of an Edinburgh Football Memories group enjoyed a visit from former referee Martin Clark as a Specsavers-sponsored whistle-stop tour of Scotland reached the capital.
The official sponsors of the Scottish FA match officials have facilitated for retired refs to speak to participants of Football Memories, a project which assists people living with memory loss conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as those experiencing loneliness and social isolation.
The tour will also stop in at Dundee and Aberdeen. Ex-whistler Dougie Hope got proceedings under way at Hampden Park on January 25, before Martin entertained the group at Hibernian FC’s Easter Road Stadium with tales from his career.
Established in 2009, Football Memories Scotland is a charitable project run by the Scottish Football Museum in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland.
With 500 groups around the country, often hosted in football settings, Football Memories uses engaging football-themed resources stored in a memory box, such as reminiscence cards, life-size player cutouts, newspaper clippings and books, to stir memories and discussions led by volunteers.
Specsavers have sponsored the boxes for the referee tour and have helped to provide some exciting new contents for them such as old football boots, photographs of former referees and other memorabilia.
Long-term memories can be triggered for many through the visual cues of images, videos, artefacts and discussions taking place in a small group or even a one-to-one setting, unlocking precious happy moments from the past. The impact can be enormous.
Robert Craig, Chair of the Scottish Football Museum, says: ‘We were delighted to welcome Martin to the group as our new partnership with Specsavers continued to demonstrate its power.
‘Their support to the Football Memories project, which impacts the lives of all who touch it, is invaluable and helps us to continue to deliver for those living with memory loss conditions or experiencing isolation.’
Crawford Allan, Scottish FA Head of Referee Operations, says: ‘Football Memories is a fantastic initiative and one our roster of former referees will gladly support, as an extension of our existing partnership with Specsavers.
‘We hope their stories and treasured memorabilia will spark many happy memories.’
Specsavers’ Arlene Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: ‘Specsavers is proud of our long tradition in backing Scottish referees, but our latest sponsorship deal sees us going further than ever, helping to raise awareness of the vital work Football Memories does in assisting people living with memory loss conditions.
‘We can’t wait to hear what questions the referees are fielded on their tour of the country and learn about the impact for those attending the groups.’
Specsavers announced in 2021 that it renewed its’ sponsorship deal with football referees in Scotland, marking more than 20 years of support – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport.
The deal has seen the partnership continue into 2024, not only helping with the training and development of referees, but also helping to raise awareness of para football and grassroots football in Scotland.
Participants of a Football Memories group in Edinburgh will get the chance to hear from former referee Martin Clark as Specsavers’ whistle-stop tour reaches the capital.
The official sponsors of the Scottish FA match officials have facilitated for retired refs to speak to participants of Football Memories, a project which assists people living with memory loss conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as those experiencing loneliness and social isolation.
Martin, from Edinburgh, refereed over 300 top-flight games in Scotland and will recount his career, which spanned 1976-2000 to the group at Hibernian’s Easter Road on February 19.
The tour kicked off last month in Glasgow, as ex-whistler Dougie Hope got things under way at Hampden Park.
John Rowbotham will talk to the Dundee group in March, while Mike Pocock will host the Aberdeen participants at April’s meeting.
Established in 2009, Football Memories Scotland is a charitable project run by the Scottish Football Museum in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland.
With 500 groups around the country, often hosted in football settings, Football Memories uses engaging football-themed resources stored in a memory box, such as reminiscence cards, life-size player cutouts, newspaper clippings and books, to stir memories and discussions led by volunteers.
Specsavers have sponsored the boxes for the referee tour and have helped to provide some exciting new contents for them such as old football boots, photographs of former referees and other memorabilia.
Long-term memories can be triggered for many through the visual cues of images, videos, artefacts and discussions taking place in a small group or even a one-to-one setting, unlocking precious happy moments from the past.
The impact can be enormous.
Robert Craig, Chair of the Scottish Football Museum, says: ‘After a hugely successful first event with Specsavers at Hampden Park, we are delighted to be on the road and visiting one of our groups in Edinburgh.
‘Their support to the Football Memories project, which impacts the lives of all who touch it, is invaluable and helps us to continue to deliver for those living with memory loss conditions or experiencing isolation.
Crawford Allan, Scottish FA Head of Referee Operations, says: ‘Football Memories is a fantastic initiative and one our roster of former referees will gladly support, as an extension of our existing partnership with Specsavers.
‘We are sure their stories and treasured memorabilia will spark many happy memories.’
Specsavers’ Arlene Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: ‘Specsavers is proud of our long tradition in backing Scottish referees, but our latest sponsorship deal sees us going further than ever, helping to raise awareness of the vital work Football Memories does in assisting people living with memory loss conditions.
‘We can’t wait to hear what questions the referees are fielded on their tour of the country and learn about the impact for those attending the groups.’
For those keen to attend the Easter Road group on February 19 at 10.45am, please register your interest via email here: tomwright.1972@btopenworld.com.
You have until 11:59pm, Thursday 15 February to do so.
Space is limited and attendees will be allocated and informed by Hibs Football Memories in advance of the group.
Specsavers announced in 2021 that it renewed its’ sponsorship deal with football referees in Scotland, marking over 20 years of support – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport.
The deal has seen the partnership continue into 2024, not only helping with the training and development of referees, but also helping to raise awareness of para football and grassroots football in Scotland.
