​Scots celebrities get behind the annual appeal for Lent

Scots celebrities are yet again backing this year’s Wee Box Lent appeal to help some of the poorest people in the world.

Deacon Blue’s Ricky Ross, broadcaster Michelle McManus and actor Libby McArthur are supporting the appeal in which the public are encouraged to donate cash via small cardboard boxes placed in offices, workplaces and shops.

The appeal – backed by UK Aid Match for second year running - raises vital funds for the charity’s life-changing work, helping families living with hunger, poverty, war and natural disasters in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Every pound given to SCIAF’s appeal before 4 May will be doubled by the UK government.

Other high profile supporters backing the appeal include Scotland manager Gordon Strachan, comedian Des Clark, and boxer Charlie Flynn.

Speaking at the launch today, Ricky Ross said: “SCIAF’s Wee Box appeal reminds me how lucky I am. So many people in the world don’t have enough food to eat or clean water to drink.

"SCIAF works tirelessly to change that by giving people the seeds, farm tools and training they need to grow food and feed their families.”

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan is also backing the appeal and said: “It’s a tragedy that nearly one billion people in the world live in desperate poverty and go hungry every day. But we can all do something about it.

SCIAF’s Director Alistair Dutton said: “Everything people give the appeal means poor families can get the help they need, like good seeds, farming tools, training and small loans, so they can grow food, earn an income, and have a better future.”