Edith Bowman hosts an array of stars, including James McAvoy, KT Tunstall and Ian Rankin, to raise funds for the Masks for Scotland initiative
As we continue to navigate the strange circumstances we face as a result of COVID-19, more celebrities, companies and members of the public are coming up with innovative ideas to both keep each other entertained and also raise money to fight the effects of the pandemic. With frontline workers around the country still in need of crucial PPE, Gigs in Scotland and Edith Bowman have announced a mammoth livestream fundraiser, which is due to take place on Wed 22 Apr to raise money for Masks for Scotland. The charity, founded by Professor Jill Belch of the University of Dundee, has already raised over £60,000 within a week, with an overall fundraising target of £200,000.
For the Love of Scotland will see Edith Bowman host an evening of music performances, poetry and book readings, and fun chats to raise these vital funds, as well as lift the nation's spirits. Expect appearances from Ian Rankin, Jack Lowden, James McAvoy, Jean Johansson, KT Tunstall, Lauren Mayberry (CHVRCHES), Martin Compston, Ncuti Gatwa, Peter Capaldi, Peter Mullan, Richard Rankin, Sam Heughan and Sam McTrusty (Twin Atlantic), with more still to be announced, as well as stories from the public about the community spirit seen across the country.
With the aim of helping Masks for Scotland reach their fundraising target, Bowman will host the livestream on Gigs In Scotland's social channels from 6–9pm on Wed 22 Apr.
Creator and host Edith Bowman said: 'As the weeks have been passing, more and more I've been working out how I can do something to help. After a friend drew my attention to an amazing event in Wales last week, with a number of well-known Welsh faces, I thought, "I Ought To Do That!" I wanted to create an event that had a purpose, was a way of saying thank you to all those selfless people putting themselves in danger to help others and celebrate this extraordinary community spirit that we are seeing.
Jo at Masks For Scotland had just been in touch to ask for my support, the work that she and her mum Jill are doing is wonderful, so it felt like the perfect fit. For the Love of Scotland will be three hours of people coming together through music, prose, comedy, conversation and thanks, featuring both plenty of well-known faces and members of the public. I can't begin to explain how grateful I am to all the people who are helping us out and giving up their time. Now we just have to do it!'
Professor Jill Belch added: 'The medical teams who protect us must be protected too. We know that the bigger the viral load, the worse the disease. Day in, day out, these teams are exposed to very high viral loads. We must help save their lives, the lives of their families and their patients by providing correct PPE. This fundraiser will save lives – thank you so very much to all who donate.'
Tune in on Wed 22 Apr from 6pm on Gigs in Scotland's Facebook or YouTube, or head directly to the Facebook live event. You can also show your support for Masks for Scotland by donating directly.
Follow The List's Staying In is the New Going Out articles for more kids TV recommendations, alternative online events, press releases, refund policies, restaurant deliveries and further general information.