Ayrshire lights up to raise awareness

LIT UP: Kilmarnock's viaduct lights up in red to support World Encephalitis Day (Image: East Ayrshire Council)

Ayrshire joined together at the weekend to raise awareness of a neurological condition, that 77 per cent of people have never heard of.

World Encephalitis Day was observed on February 22, with East Ayrshire Council supporting #Red4WED to notify the region of the “serious” and “life-changing” condition.

Kilmarnock’s viaduct was lit up in red as part of the local authority’s support for those affected by the condition, which results in brain inflammation.

A spokesperson from Encephalitis International believes 2026 is about making voices and experiences heard from those affected.

They said: “World Encephalitis Day is the biggest day of the year for people whose lives have been affected  by inflammation of the brain.

“We are determined to change this with your support. Our ambition is to see schools, hospitals, GP clinics, and community spaces, helping ensure that fewer families experience the shock, delay, and devastation that encephalitis so often brings.

The registered charity have pointed out the condition’s symptoms, going by their acronym F.L.A.M.E.S  for informing the public.

People are being asked to look out for Flu-like symptoms, Loss of Consciousness, Acute Headache, Memory Problems, Emotional / Behavioural Changes, and Seizures when looking out for others with the condition.

The World Encephalitis Day Appeal aims to raise £50,000 with the ambition of more education on the condition, that someone in the world is diagnosed with “every 20 seconds”.

Anyone willing to donate to Encephalitis International’s cause can do so here.