You will, of course, be aware of the truly awful statistics and inequalities around heart disease for people in Scotland.

The Heart of Scotland Appeal has been set up to raise money to fund vital research and train surgeons and medical staff in Scotland. This campaign will be led by the people of Scotland for the people of Scotland - all the money raised in Scotland will be spent in Scotland.

Research works but the 700,000 people living with heart disease in Scotland and their families need it to work faster.

Heart Research UK is very proud of our ethical approach to fundraising. We never stop people in the street, knock on their door or call them unless we have their permission and we never will. We've worked in Scotland for the past 50 years and are now doing more than ever with four projects currently running and a Scotland specific research grant launching this year.