Scottish H.A.R.T.

"In 2005 the gardens of Ettrickbridge (7 miles from Selkirk, B7009) were featured on Beechgrove Garden prior to an Open Gardens Event which was a huge success, raising much needed funds for the refurbishment of our village hall. This year we are holding a similar event to raise money for local groups and nominated charities, CLIC Sargent, Scottish H.A.R.T. and Lavender Touch."

"There are at least 12 gardens open to the public. They are varied in size and design and offer an interesting mix of ideas for gardeners and non-gardeners alike to enjoy. The array of plants is extensive and there are a number of keen fruit and vegetable growers."

"Lord and Lady Steel have also offered to open their garden at Aikwood Tower (3 miles outside village) with, weather permitting, a chance to play croquet on the lawn."

"There will be refreshments available throughout the day including BBQ rolls, home made soup and home baking as well as teas and coffees. The Plant Stall, always popular, is likely to be extensive. There will also be the chance to purchase home baking while a book stall hopes to include gardening books."

"Although not necessarily planned with people with disabilities in mind, most of the gardens offer reasonable access, but often over pebbles, shingle or grass. There will be a description of accessibility made available to disabled visitors and marshals will be able to assist with parking for blue badge holders. Please note that while children will be welcome there are a number of gardens which have water features, or access to the river, which could present a danger to children who will require close supervision."

Entry: £3.50 per person, 10.30am - 5pm.

May 2008

Tuesday, 27th May 2008
Thousands Sign Up in Call for Heart Screening.

Campaigners from a leading Scottish heart charity will today hand over a petition to the Scottish Parliament calling for a national heart screening program for all youngsters involved in sport. Scottish HART will then give evidence to the parliament’s petition committee requesting that the Scottish Government follows the example of their Italian counterparts and funds a comprehensive system of screening for the type of heart conditions that can often result in the sudden death of seemingly healthy individuals. The charity has previously welcomed the initiative announced by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in April that commits the Scottish Government to introduce a pilot screening program in conjunction with health professionals at The Scottish Football Association based at Hampden Park. The pilot project would look to screen amateur athletes aged 16 and over for life threatening heart conditions. The charity however has campaigned to see this scheme extended, like it is in Italy, to all youngsters taking part in sport. The charity’s chairperson and founder, Wilma Gunn from Selkirk said;

“We are pleased that at long last politicians in Scotland have recognised the benefits of screening for heart disease.
However, we will be asking the petitions committee to examine the evidence from the successful Italian program which has resulted in an 89% reduction in sudden cardiac deaths amongst those taking part in sporting activities.”

The charity hopes that the parliament agrees to implement the Italian model and help bring about a sizable reduction in the sudden death of otherwise seemingly healthy individuals.

Presenting the Scottish H.A.R.T. petition at the Scottish Parliament.