SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, today visited a pop-up laboratory organised by Cancer Research UK in Stornoway Town Hall.

The event showcased the life-saving research that the Isle of Lewis community has helped to fund over the last 40 years. Members of the public had the opportunity to  opportunity to take part in interactive science experiments which demonstrate Cancer Research UK's work.

Cancer Research UK is the largest funder of cancer research in Scotland, spending over £33 million on research in Scotland last year

Alasdair Allan commented: "It was great to be able to come along to Cancer Research's pop-up laboratory today to hear about the life-saving research the organisation undertaking.

"The event marked the milestone of the Isle of Lewis Local Committee raising more than a million pounds for Cancer Research since their inception forty years ago; a fantastic testament to the fund raising abilities of local volunteers. It never ceases to amaze me how giving this community is when it comes to charity.

"Virtually every family has lost a loved one to cancer and suffered the devastating impact that brings. Cancer survival rates have doubled in the last thirty years with half of all patients diagnosed now surviving and it was really heartening to hear about the charity's ambition is to accelerate this progress and see 3 in 4 patients surviving cancer by 2034."