Light up a Life appeal began tonight

On Monday evening a couple of thousand people and more gathered in Charlotte Square to remember loved ones who have died and to light up the Christmas tree in an event organised by St Columba’s Hospice.

The Tree of Remembrance is 40 feet high and will shine brightly with symbols of dedication made by people from all over the country. The Light up a Life tree raises funds for care and support for those with a terminal illness in Edinburgh and Lothians.

The tree was lit up as part of a ceremony by event sponsor Sir Tom Farmer and 13 year old Ailsa Hardie, whose father died at the Hospice last year. PHOTO Neil Hanna

Sponsor of the event, Sir Tom Farmer, talked about the work of St Columba’s Hospice along with 13 year-old Ailsa Hardie whose father died there last year. Her mother Alison spoke of their family’s experience and reminded everyone how important the support is to Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Brass Band performed some festive songs.

Edinburgh Brass Band performed a number festive songs at the event. PHOTO Neil Hanna

Edinburgh Castle, Camera Obscura, The Hub, George Watson’s College, Mansfield Traquair, BT Murrayfield Stadium, Usher Hall and the Engine Shed in Stirling all lit up at the same time as the tree was illuminated in a show of support for the campaign.

Edinburgh Castle was one of many landmark buildings including Camera Obscura, The Hub on the Royal Mile, George Watson’s College, Mansfield Traquair, BT Murrayfield Stadium, Usher Hall, and the Engine Shed in Stirling all lit up in unison with the Hospices’ Christmas tree switch on to show their support for the campaign. PHOTO Neil Hanna

Jon Heggie, Director of Fundraising at St Columba’s Hospice, said: “Light up a Life is a hugely important appeal for us, as it brings our community together at what can be a time of mixed emotions for many who are remembering a loved one. We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has donated to our Light up a Life appeal so far this year and to all of the buildings lighting up in support of the campaign, it helps raise much-needed awareness of the vital service we provide. The donations we received will enable us to reach and support more families who need us across Edinburgh and the Lothians.”

The tree will remain lit throughout the festive season and into the new year.

Dedications can still be made online at www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk or by calling 0131 551 1381.

  • Edinburgh Brass Band performed a number festive songs at the event. PHOTO Neil Hanna
  • Edinburgh Brass Band performed a number festive songs at the event. PHOTO Neil Hanna
  • Alison Hardie also took to the stage to talk about her family’s experience at the Hospice and to remind everyone how important that support is to families across the city. PHOTO Neil Hanna
  • The tree was lit up as part of a ceremony by event sponsor Sir Tom Farmer and 13 year old Ailsa Hardie, whose father died at the Hospice last year. PHOTO Neil Hanna
  • The tree was lit up as part of a ceremony by event sponsor Sir Tom Farmer and 13 year old Ailsa Hardie, whose father died at the Hospice last year. PHOTO Neil Hanna