A CHARITY launched in memory of a Cowdenbeath man has teamed up with The Proclaimers for a special single to raise awareness of suicide.
Tartan Talkers was set up in 2022 in memory of Scott Taylor who took his own life in March that year at the age of 37.
It was established by his auntie Jackie Walls who was desperate to try to stop other families going through what they had to go through.
She came up with words to the Highland Cathedral song, which was originally written by Korb & Roever, and a Tartan Talkers Collective – featuring The Proclaimers and Emma Anstruther on vocals, Roy Field on guitar, Dunfermline Pipe Band and RFC Linlithgow choir – have produced a new composition.
Titled 'Never Give Up', a video accompanies the song which includes people who have lost a loved one to suicide.
Two of the children lost their dad to suicide and Tracey Farrell, 56, from Rosyth, lost her only child, Greg, on May 16, 2022. The dad-of-two was just 36.
Jackie said the Highland Cathedral song was played at Scott's funeral and kept "looping" though her head.
READ MORE: Ballingry men help launch Tartan Talker's new hub
"The lyrics were a carbon copy of Scott's life," she said. "Holding his wee hand on his first day at school with his mum and I being the only two people taking his picture in the classroom with an old Kodak camera.
"We were so immensely proud of him and absolutely adored the ground he walked on – we miss him terribly."
The dad-of-one was described as a “happy-go-lucky chappie who worshipped his wee laddie and was the life and soul of the party” before his death.
Jackie continued: "Suicide rates continue to rise. In 2023, the National Records of Scotland said there was 792 probable suicide deaths, an increase of 30 on the previous year.
"We must do more to ensure families do not have to suffer a lifetime of pain. Suicide is preventable but vital services are at breaking point and waiting times to see a clinical psychologist can be two years or more.
"This song is for those who have lost a loved one and for those vulnerable people who are struggling. No matter how low you are feeling, there is always hope and there is always a choice."
The single is available to buy or download on various digital platforms.
More information is available online at www.tartantalkers.scot.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here