That the Parliament pays tribute to Karen Scott, area manager at CLAN Cancer Support Orkney, as she retires after 17 years of leading the charity’s local branch; understands that Karen joined CLAN in 2008 and opened the first Orkney centre in Kirkwall, which continues to support members of the local community impacted by a cancer diagnosis, both emotionally and physically; considers that Karen has demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment to the local community over many years and has provided invaluable support to islanders navigating the emotional and physical toll of a cancer diagnosis; notes that, in 2023, Karen took part in a University of Aberdeen global research study, which was able to identify a cancer gene link to Westray and led to an increase in community testing drives; further notes that, following the study, Karen set up a CLAN outreach programme in Orkney, which provided face-to-face support for those testing positive for the gene, or impacted by a cancer diagnosis; understands that Karen has coordinated countless fundraising activities over the years, with the proceeds directly contributing to the improvement of support and services for those impacted by cancer in the local community; commends the dedication and compassion that Karen has demonstrated and the positive difference that she has made to the lives of so many, and wishes her all the best in her well-earned retirement.
Supported by:
Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Stephanie Callaghan, Tim Eagle, Annabelle Ewing, Rhoda Grant, Dr Sandesh Gulhane (Registered interest)
, Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, Edward Mountain, Audrey Nicoll, Douglas Ross, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Annie Wells, Tess White, Martin Whitfield