The UK’s biggest suicide prevention initiative will be shining a light in West Lothian next week. ‌

The Baton of Hope Tour is visiting 20 locations with West Lothian the only place in Scotland. ‌

The relay tour will see a gold and silver baton, representing mental wellbeing, being carried through the streets by bereaved families and suicide survivors. It will begin its journey at Linlithgow Palace early next Friday morning. ‌

Scotland has the highest suicide rate in the UK with 16.1 deaths per 100,000 people. In 2023 alone, there were 792 probable suicide deaths in Scotland, a four per cent increase from 2022, with those from the poorest communities two-and-a-half times more likely to die by suicide. READ MORE: Hard winter for West Lothian residents after Ofgem confirms energy

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