MSP to host hospice reception at Holyrood

LOTHIANS SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville will tonight host a reception at the Scottish Parliament to highlight the work of St Columba's Hospice and its fundraising campaign for a rebuild project.

The plans include improvement and expansion of patient facilities and a new education wing to support the work of educating students and professionals in palliative care.

Fundraising is well under way, after being kicked off by the Evening News-backed Buy a Brick campaign, which invited people to purchase a virtual brick in support of the hospice or dedicated to a loved one.

Ms Somerville said: "I have seen the work being carried out by staff and volunteers who day in, day out take on the challenging responsibility of caring for those whose illnesses cannot be cured and helping them live as actively as possible."