McCaig’s Tower to light up purple for epilepsy day

Oban’s McCaig’s Tower will light up purple on Saturday to help raise awareness of epilepsy. The tower will be among 46 buildings and landmarks which will be lit up purple on March 26.

To help raise money for those living with the condition, Epilepsy Scotland is encouraging people to get involved in Purple Day by organising a quiz night or coffee morning, getting sponsored to wear purple on the day or taking part in a sponsored run, walk, cycle or swim.

Purple Day was founded in Canada by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan in 2008 and is a great opportunity to get people talking about epilepsy and dispel the myths and stigma attached to the condition.

Epilepsy Scotland’s chief executive Lesslie Young said: ‘This year’s Purple Day is set to be the biggest yet. We are delighted so many landmarks across Scotland are supporting our Paint the Town Purple campaign. These displays help us raise awareness of the condition with the aim of diminishing the social stigma that surrounds it.

‘Sadly, epilepsy is still a misunderstood condition. Awareness days such as Purple Day are a great opportunity for people to learn more about epilepsy, how it affects people, raise awareness of one of the most common neurological conditions in the world and help diminish the social stigma that surrounds it.

‘We hope to see people sharing photographs of their own Purple Day activities as well as pictures of landmarks and buildings being lit up purple on Purple Day.’