Actress Isla Fisher has 'highly personal' visit to Glasgow

The Confessions of a Shopaholic star embarked on a 'highly personal' visit which included a stop at a community centre in Maryhill and a primary school in Rutherglen.

Born to Scottish parents, Isla spent much of her childhood in Bathgate before moving to Australia where her late father worked for Save the Children. 

Now as an ambassador of the charity, Isla was eager to learn more about how it supports local schools and community groups.

She said: “This visit is highly personal for me as Scotland is the home of my ancestral roots. Both my parents were Scottish, and relatives are still dotted around the area.

"It’s also the first time I’ve returned since my father passed away.

"I know he’d be incredibly proud of my being here to support Save the Children’s vital work helping children and families who live so close to where he grew up.”

The Great Gatsby star visited Home-Start Glasgow North which helps deliver immediate cash grants to families that are facing hardship, including pregnant mothers and families with young children who are struggling to make ends meet.

Speaking about what she learned on her visit, Isla said: "Many here are living at the sharp end of the cost-of-living crisis. I hear of parents earning double incomes and still struggling to cover the basics, mothers skipping meals so that their children can eat.

“I feel incredibly touched that the women here are sharing their stories with me. Motherhood can be isolating at best.

"Throw in financial difficulties, soaring food prices, mental health struggles, and I know I’m talking to some real fighters.”

Service manager Karen Erskine added: “Today's visit with Isla and Save the Children highlighted the importance of partnership working in order to support families in Scotland.

"It was great that so many families came along and offered to share their stories and experiences of parenting and the part that Home-Start has played in this journey."

During her time in Scotland, Isla also paid a visit to St Columbkille's Primary School where she listened in on a Families Connect session.

Delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government, the session aims to help with children’s social and emotional development and also encourages their parents to be confident in the role that they can play in this in their early years. 

During the literacy and language class session, Isla read a passage from one of her Marge in Charge children’s books.

Headteacher Dave Adams said: “It was a pleasure to have Isla in the school with us to celebrate the high level of parental engagement we have within St Columbkille’s.

"Save the Children’s Family Connect programme is a wonderful opportunity for families and children to learn and play together in a safe and nurturing environment, and we were delighted to have Isla come and join in for the day!”