The Scottish Parliament have come together in a show of solidarity for brain tumour patients, with First Minister John Swinney joining other MSPs and campaigners, as well as our colleagues from the Beatson Cancer Charity, for a high-profile Wear A Hat Day 2025 photocall.
The colourful event, sponsored by Beatrice Wishart MSP, Convener of the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Brain Tumours, was part of a wider effort – during Brain Tumour Awareness Month – to raise awareness of brain tumours and push for greater investment in research.
Following the photocall, which took place yesterday, politicians attended a dedicated drop-in event, titled 'Advancing brain tumour research in Scotland'. The session highlighted the urgent need for improved research infrastructure, better clinical trial access, and stronger funding commitments to tackle one of the deadliest forms of cancer.
More than 1,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour in Scotland every year, with around 400 people dying from aggressive high-grade brain tumours annually. Brain tumours remain the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, yet historically they have received just 1% of the national spend on cancer research.
“The statistics speak for themselves,” said Deputy Convener Finlay Carson MSP at the event. “We need to see real, targeted action and enhanced research efforts to address this crisis.”
Deputy Convener Colin Smyth MSP added: “This is a cancer of unmet need. We must work collaboratively to strengthen Scotland’s brain tumour research pipeline and improve patient outcomes.”
Left to right: Our Head of Stakeholder Relations, Hugh Adams, First Minister John Swinney, and our Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Thomas Brayford
MSPs were also briefed on the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, a bold initiative aiming to position Scotland at the forefront of research into brain tumours and their treatment. The Centre seeks to integrate efforts across leading Scottish research institutions at the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, with Brain Tumour Research keen to see match-funding from Scottish Government to secure its future.
Ms Wishart urged her colleagues to lend their support: “Today’s event is about raising awareness, but it’s also a call to action. Scotland has world-class researchers, but they need the resources and backing to drive forward the breakthroughs patients desperately need.”
At the event, Brain Tumour Research highlighted several challenges facing patients and researchers, including:
- The exclusion of Scottish patients from a major UK-wide Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) clinical trial
- Chronic underfunding that is limiting the amount of research, as well as the number of clinical trials, available to Scottish patients
Thomas Brayford, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Events like today’s are crucial to galvanise political will and raise the profile of this neglected disease. We urge the Scottish Government to address the issues highlighted, and to match-fund the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, committing to long-term, sustainable investment.”
Related reading:
- The Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence
- MSPs urge action for Scottish brain tumour patients denied access to pioneering trial
- Campaigners call on Welsh Government to tackle inequalities