Martin Whitfield MSP is calling on local people to take part in the nationwide Thank You Day on Sunday 4^th July by holding a Tartan Tea Party.

Thank You Day is a chance for people to get together with their neighbours, friends and family to celebrate and say ‘thank you’ to those in our local communities who helped us get through the pandemic.

Charity Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland are encouraging people to host Tartan Tea Parties to say thank you by signing-up and receiving exclusive recipes from Chef Tom Kitchin and a free Tea Party pack to make their celebrations extra special.

A host of well-known faces are backing the national day including Michelin Star Chef Tom Kitchin, Lorraine Kelly, Dame Katherine Grainger, Michael Sheen and organisations such as the Together Coalition and Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.

The Tartan Tea Party is building momentum across the country and as well as celebrity backing, the charity’s supporters are gearing up for a day of celebrations.

Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“So many people stepped up and supported their neighbours and communities during the pandemic in a wide variety of ways. That’s why I’m delighted to get behind Thank You Day and encourage others to say an enormous thank you to everyone who has helped us all get through a year like no other.

“It would be wonderful if local people could show their support by hosting their own Tartan Tea Party and saying thank you to those who mean the most to them and their local community.”

Chef Tom Kitchin shared what he was thankful for and explained:

“I’m so thankful for all our amazing customers and guests for sticking with hospitality through what has been such a difficult year. It’s been great to welcome you back – thank you for supporting us as we reopen.

“Thank You Day is a great idea and gives us all a chance to say thank you to everyone who helped us through. Sign-up and throw your own Tartan Tea Party and say thanks to those you love.”

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, who is backing the national Thank You Day, said of the day:

“This is such a wonderful chance to say thank you to all of those in the front line who have been under such enormous pressure to keep us safe.

“There’s a renewed sense of community that has flourished at a grass roots level thanks to kind, compassionate and generous people. That really is something to be thankful for.”

Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said:

“It’s so important that after such a tough year we come together to say thank you.  We all have a different reason to be thankful and if the pandemic has taught us one thing it is that people, family and friends are so important to us all and we are here to support one another.

“Tartan Tea Parties felt like the perfect way for us to celebrate and get people across Scotland involved in the day. At Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland we believe you can never underestimate the power of a cup of tea, so many special moments can be shared with a good chat over a cuppa.

“We’re delighted to have Chef Kitchin’s support in making our Tartan Tea Parties extra special! You can sign-up for free to host your own Tartan Tea Party and we’ll send you recipes from Chef Kitchin alongside other materials to help make your celebrations amazing.”

To help Scots get in the party mood, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland have created an essential pack to help make your Tartan Tea Party special. Sign-up for free by visiting their website, www.chss.org.uk/tartan-tea-party