Yesterday evening I hosted a Parliamentary Reception in the Scottish Parliament to mark 80 years of Age Scotland's work to support older people in Scotland.
Over 150 guests celebrated the contribution of older people across Scotland, including the winners of Age Scotland’s annual awards, and hear about their latest research which outlines the priorities of people over the age of 50 and how they feel about growing older in Scotland.
I presented the Saltcoats Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club in my constituency with the Patrick Brooks Award for Best Partnership Working to Paul and Josephine Coffey, Maria Gillan, Margaret Johnson and Mhairi-Ann Muir.
Formed in 2017 by a handful of veterans who decided to meet regularly at the Melbourne Café in Saltcoats, the club provides a much-needed place for a relaxed get-together. With no hierarchy, forms to fill in, or fees to pay, members simply turn up on a Monday morning for some easy-going banter, while enjoying a free first cup of tea, generously provided by Melbourne Café owner Elaine Meney.
I was also very honoured that Age Scotland also unexpectedly awarded me a special award, “to recognise my long standing and strong support for the charity and to thank me for my support on national issues which I have worked on with Age Scotland.”
I thank Chief Executive Katherine Crawford, Head of Policy and Engagement Adam Stachura, Policy Engagement & Campaigns Officer Catriona Melville as well as all MSPs who presented an award for their contribution in making last night such a success.
You can read Age Scotland’s Big Survey 2023 here:
