A Glasgow Times columnist has been commissioned by the Scottish Government to create a new piece of spoken work on the kindness of Scots for St Andrew's Day.
Glasgow-born author Chris McQueer will speak about what kindness means to him and to a country of resilient and proud Scots - highlighting the meaningfulness of a smile, a "hello" and checking in with friends.
The award-winning writer of 'Hings' - a collection of short stories on everyday life in Scotland - has penned and narrated six passages for this year's St Andrew's Day campaign.
An excerpt from the commission includes: "It’s your pals and family looking out for you. It’s a quick text to see how you’re doing. It’s lifting you up when you’re feeling down. It’s a friendly wave from the window. It’s a toot of the horn and a thumbs up. It’s dropping off some goodies at your front door. It’s a phone call to say they love and miss you. It’s the wee things that get you through. It’s a simple act of kindness. It’s what we do best."
Chris is now rallying his friends and followers to join him and share a kind message over the phone, on social media or by picking up a newly created kindness postcard created by Scottish illustrator, Emily Hogarth.
Chris said: "Scotland is a wee country to be proud of - its cities, its countryside, its food and drink, its music and arts scene, but I’d say, most importantly, its people. We’re a generous bunch and we’re friendly - most of the time.
"St Andrew’s Day is a great chance to celebrate Scotland and all its worth, especially after a hard year up and down the country.
"So that’s why I’m sharing my thoughts on Scottish kindness and will be sending my kindness postcard to Jay Gray, my wee brother, to say thanks for being a pal this year.”
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