Belle & Sebastian, Denise Mina, Peter Hook, The Bluebells and snooker player Alan McManus are among a host of stars who have donated items for a Glasgow high school silent auction.
Tickets for Scotland’s Six Nations clash with England at Murrayfield on February 24, an exclusive Timorous Beasties chair, and original works by Scottish artists including Jackie Anderson and Toby Paterson are also on offer.
Hillhead High parent council is trying to raise £35,000 to fund a replacement minibus, which they say is vital to the wellbeing and experience of pupils.
Hillhead serves a diverse community in the grip of the cost-of-living crisis, according to parents, with more than one third of pupils receiving free school meals and over two thirds of pupils having additional support needs.
'Low income'
Bluebells drummer and guitarist David McCluskey said: “All our kids went to Hillhead, so we know the staff work really hard to keep the cost of the school day as low as possible for all families, especially those on a low income in these difficult times.
“Access to activities, venues and events outside school can be a lifeline for pupils, with the minibus used for all sorts of activities that foster self-confidence, inclusion and community – including music and the arts, and which should be available to everyone, regardless of family income.”
The Bluebells have donated two signed CDs along with a signed limited-edition poster designed by Turner Prize-nominated artist Jim Lambie for the release of their latest album, The Bluebells: in the 21st Century.
Head teacher Karen McAlaney said: “The school has no external sporting facilities and very small grounds.
All our kids went to Hillhead, so we know the staff work really hard to keep the cost of the school day as low as possible for all families, especially those on a low income in these difficult times.
David McCluskey
“The minibus is vital to offer free transport to a wide range of learning, sporting and extracurricular activities which enrich the pupils’ school experience, ensure inclusion and equity, and promote wellbeing and healthy habits.”
Without funds to buy a minibus, the school has to rely on costly, time-consuming and unreliable alternatives such as taxis and coaches.
This means that a number of trips/events cannot go ahead, or the options are reduced to avoid extra cost for pupils’ families.
Martina Johnston-Gray, vice-chair of the parent council, said: “We’ve received tremendous support by people kindly donating items for the appeal auction.
“More lots are still coming in, so there really is something for everyone – now we need people to get bidding, as every pound and penny count.”
Other items up for grabs in the silent auction include:
- Signed set of snooker balls once used at the Crucible, home to the snooker world championships
- Free day’s tattooing, with additional consultation and design, at Vintage Ink tattoo studio in Maryhill
- Alex Begg cashmere scarf in a presentation box, £295 retail price
- Diving voucher
- Signed Patti Smith T-shirt
- Hospitality and match tickets for two at Partick Thistle v Dundee Utd on Saturday March 2, 2024
- Two Six Nations tickets for Scotland v France on Saturday February 10, 2024
- Bundle of signed books from crime author Denise Mina
- Recorded personalised greeting to a fan from Stuart Murdoch of Belle & Sebastian
