Dave Thompson MSP

The purple look is back in Parliament on 26 March as Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch dons this shade to get people talking about epilepsy. Scores of MSPs will draw attention to international Purple Day along with hundreds of Epilepsy Scotland supporters taking part in fun activities up and down the country.

Mr Thompson remarked: “Purple Day is a light hearted and engaging way for the public to learn about a difficult and often hidden condition. One in 97 of my constituents has epilepsy and it can affect more than their health. Too often the social impact of epilepsy can be harder to live with than the seizures. The best awareness campaigns help people to understand more about an issue so they want to make change happen. I’m wearing a purple ribbon to support Epilepsy Scotland’s campaign and may send a ‘selfie’ for their Purple Day web gallery.

Epilepsy Scotland chief executive Lesslie Young said: “Everyone can enjoy being part of Purple Day, whether you are at school, work or having a rest on 26 March. This year our social media followers are sending a wish for Purple Day to go on a ‘wishing tree’ here at our Glasgow office. Our Turn Scotland Purple campaign is attracting famous Scottish landmarks like Oban’s McCaig’s Tower and the Falkirk Wheel to be floodlit for Purple Day. Even Glencoe Mountain Resort Centre will have snowmen wearing purple ribbons! We truly value MSPs for getting involved and making this a special day for 54,000 people living with epilepsy in Scotland”.