INVERCLYDE’S MSP will add a splash of tartan to the Scottish Parliament this Christmas in a bid to raise vital funds for Ardgowan Hospice - and you can join in too.
Stuart McMillan will join hospice CEO Graham Gardiner for '12 Days of Kiltmas’ - a charity effort which will see the pair don their kilts everywhere they go.
The fundraiser, which will fittingly begin on St Andrew’s Day, will see Mr McMillan wear his clan tartan to the parliamentary chamber and committee meetings at Holyrood.
Mr McMillan said: “When I met Graham earlier on this year, he mentioned that he had done it a number of years ago.
“I made the suggestion that he do it again this year, and that I do it with him.
“There will be four days I’m in parliament with the kilt on.
“I’ll be sending a link around all the MSPs to let folk know what’s going on and why I’m doing it.
“People who know me know I don’t really need much of a reason to wear a kilt.
"It’s a lovely opportunity and it’s for a great cause. It’ll be a bit chilly, but it’s good fun.”
Mr Gardiner hopes to see other members of the community join in with the festive fun by donning their own clan colours in aid of the hospice.
He said: “We’d love as many people to join us as possible. We can all get together on St Andrew’s Day to get a photo of us all starting out.
“We’re very fortunate and it’s very humbling that our local community support us so much.
“That allows us to keep on doing what we’re doing.”
Mr McMillan added: “I’m not aware of any family that hasn’t been touched by Ardgowan Hospice over the years.
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“Inverclyde has taken the hospice to its heart. That obviously will continue moving forward as well.
“I’m sure that the local community will, once again, support it.
“And I’m sure taking it to Edinburgh and making others aware of it as well will also be a good thing.”
Those interested in joining in with the 12 Days of Kiltmas effort should contact fundraising@ardgowanhospice.org.
A Just Giving page has been set up for Mr McMillan and Mr Gardiner's fundraiser, with donations being accepted at justgiving.com.
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