Political hostilities were briefly put aside at Holyrood when the four main party leaders joined forces to don a red nose for Comic Relief.
The Courier is Comic Relief’s official media partner and got Alex Salmond, Iain Gray, Tavish Scott and Annabel Goldie together for a photo call at the Scottish Parliament.
All four leaders were happy to wear the iconic nose to publicise the cause. First Minister Alex Salmond said he was “extremely proud” to support the work of Comic Relief.
Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray revealed he had been working at Oxfam at the time of the first Comic Relief in 1985 and had seen first hand the popularity of the noses.
“I remember we ran out of red noses and had to fly them in from abroad,” he said. “Now Comic Relief has gone from strength to strength and rightly has its special place in the British calendar.”
Tory leader Annabel Goldie said her party would be raising money for the charity at the upcoming party conference in Perth.
“Every year at our Scottish conference we hold a blue review with the proceeds going to charity and where even the journalists dig deep,” she said. “I am delighted that this year in Perth our conference falls on Comic Relief Day and we look forward to handing over a big cheque.”
Lib Dem leader Tavish Scott said, “This is a fantastic cause and I was happy to sacrifice my dignity and pull on a red nose in support.
“A big well done to The Courier for its support of |this great campaign, which supports so many people in the UK and overseas. I hope people dig deep again this year as fund-raising continues.”