TWO of Barrhead’s most famous sons are doing their bit to help save lives by supporting a heart charity’s new campaign.

Award-winning author Chris Brookmyre and television star Douglas Henshall have both given their backing to the Heart of Scotland appeal, which will raise vital funds for medical research.

Chris, who has been wearing a special T-shirts created by internationally-acclaimed designer Christopher Kane to highlight the appeal, told the Barrhead News: “Growing up and living in Scotland, I was all too familiar with heart disease and the affects it had on the places where I lived.

“It almost became a norm to see someone have their life cut short by a heart attack or through heart disease.

READ MORE: Barrhead dad touched as £20K raised to bring seriously-ill daughter home

“This needs to change – and the Heart of Scotland appeal is the perfect place to start.

“I’m supporting this campaign to change the status quo. We all need to look after our hearts and the hearts of those we love.

“Research into the prevention and cure of heart disease is the best way to tackle this head on, so please pledge your support to the Heart of Scotland appeal and help us take on Scotland’s biggest killer.”

Douglas, who has starred in hit TV shows such as BBC crime drama Shetland, said he “had to get involved” in the appeal after hearing that 41 Scots die every day due to heart disease.

He added: “Raising awareness of heart disease and investing in research into its prevention and treatment is the best way to ensure that our friends and families can be around for as long as possible.

“It’s really easy for anyone and everyone to get behind this, so I urge you all to get involved to raise money to help tackle this problem.”

READ MORE: Scottish SPCA issues timely reminder for the Easter holidays

Barbara Harpham, Heart Research UK’s chief executive, said most people in East Renfrewshire will have been touched by heart disease at some time in their lives.

She added: “We want this campaign to reach ever corner of the country, raising money to fund pioneering medical research in hospitals and universities.

“The fact is you are almost twice as likely to die from coronary heart disease in Scotland than you are in the south-east of England. This needs to change.”

The Heart of Scotland T-shirts, as well as a range of four coloured badges that highlight the appeal, are on sale at various stores.