They've given a lot, now it's your turn

BID NOW - Scotland on Sunday charity auction

EVER wanted to be named as a character in a best-selling novel, take part in a Tall Ships race, learn to cook like a master chef or pop out to lunch with three friends in a helicopter?

Well now is your chance as Scotland on Sunday today launches its second annual auction and invites readers to bid for a range of unique experiences and gifts. It's just in time for Christmas and also means you'll be doing your bit for a very worthy charity.

This year, we have 50 sensational lots, many from generous companies and individuals, and others that will take you out and about with Scotland on Sunday staff and contributors. All money raised will go to Sightsavers International, the charity at the heart of Scotland on Sunday's Christmas appeal. The appeal is aimed at helping those who are in a far worse condition than ourselves as we prepare to enjoy the festive period.

Just £25 – the reserve price on each of our lots – would help save the sight of up to five people in East Africa, allowing them a better chance of survival in harsh conditions and the ability to support their families.

The auction, run by online auction house QXL, starts today and will run until midnight on Sunday December 23. Bidders can log on to www.scotlandonsunday.com/auction at any time to see how their bids are faring or to place a new offer.

Generous donations have poured in from the world of sport, fashion, arts, hospitality and tourism. Tickets for the Six Nations Championship, the Scottish Premier League and the first Scotland v England One Day International cricket match are all up for grabs.

Fashionistas can bid for a much sought after Mulberry bag, an exclusive Autograph dress from M&S, fabulous lingerie from award-winning Boudiche or a Belinda Robertson cashmere sweater.

Art lovers will be spoilt for choice with the chance to bid for opera tickets and a year's free entrance to the National Galleries of Scotland or a signed manuscript from Mark Millar.

More exciting lots will be offered next Sunday in advance of the December 23 deadline.

Two weeks ago, at the start of our Christmas Appeal, we reported from Tanzania where, in some remote desert villages, up to half the population is affected by a distressing condition called trachoma. It is caused by a bacteria spread by flies in unsanitary conditions. A severe lack of water means children's faces do not get washed regularly, so the bacteria is rubbed into eyes. Yet funds are desperately short for the simple treatments for trachoma.

Last week, we reported on how children with severe low vision had to hand their spectacles back to their teachers at the end of the day because the school cannot afford for them to be broken while at home.

This week we focus on the work that Sightsavers is doing to improve the lives of irreversibly blind men and women on the island of Zanzibar.

1. TAKE PART IN THE TALL SHIPS RACE
One person will join the crew on the Ocean Spirit of Moray (Gordonstoun's 80ft sail training yacht) to take part in the 2008 Tall Ships Race. Choose either from West Coast of Scotland to Mãløy, Norway, or from Mãløy, Norway to Inverness in August, 2008. Participants need to be aged between 16 and 24 years.
Thanks to Gordonstoun

2. BECOME A CHRISTOPHER BROOKMYRE CHARACTER
Be immortalised as a piece of fiction when top Scottish writer Christopher Brookmyre names a character in his new book after the winning bidder.
Thanks to Christopher Brookmyre

3. PLACE AT INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL
A place is up for grabs at the International Summer School at Gordonstoun School, which runs a range of courses aimed at developing academic and sporting prowess as well as building confidence in young people. Participants should be aged between eight and 16 years.
Full details at www.giss.org.uk
Thanks to Gordonstoun

4. HELICOPTER FLIGHT AND LUNCH
Fancy popping out to lunch - by helicopter? Four people will be flown from Ratho (near Edinburgh) to the Fairmont St Andrews Hotel for lunch, with drinks included. After lunch you will be returned to Ratho.
Thanks to Richard Bailey

5. MARK MILLAR SIGNED WORK
Mark Millar, the Scottish comic book writer behind The Authority, Ultimate X-Men, Marvel Knights Spider-Man, The Ultimates, and Civil War, will sign the original manuscript for Wanted, the
book that is now being turned into a blockbuster movie starring Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy.
Thanks to Mark Millar

6. FLIGHTS TO BARCELONA
Visit the beautiful Spanish city of Barcelona, a fantastic destination for culture vultures, gourmet lovers and shopaholics.
Thanks to Flyglobespan

7. SIGNED HARRY BENSON BOOKS
Signed copies of the celebrity photographer's work: Glasgow, The Tivoli Gardens, Harry Benson's America, The Beatles: Once There Was a Way, President and Mrs Reagan, An American Love Story and Harry Benson's People.
Thanks to Harry Benson

8. VIP TICKETS TO SEE HIBS
VIP seats for two at an SPL match at Easter Road Stadium, sitting in the Directors' Box and with access to the Directors' lounge.
Thanks to Hibernian Football Club.

9. A BIT OF EWAN & CHARLEY
A signed framed photograph of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman at Buachaille Etive Mor on their Long Way Down journey, plus a signed copy of the Long Way Round DVD and the Long Way Down DVD.

10. A DAY AT THE CRICKET
Two tickets with full corporate hospitality for the first ever Scotland v England One-Day Cricket International, to be held at the Grange in Edinburgh on August 18, 2008.
Thanks to Lloyds TSB Scotland

11. GIVE YOUR IMAGE A POLISH
Give your company an image boost with a week's free PR services from Platform PR, one of Scotland's leading public relations agencies.
Thanks to Platform PR

12. COOK LIKE A MASTERCHEF
Learn how to make a starter, main course and dessert from the tasting menu of Sean Kelly, head chef with Abstract Edinburgh. Then sit down with four friends for a meal on the restaurant's chef's table.
Thanks to Abstract Edinburgh

13. A NIGHT AT A TOP HOTEL
Stay in the gateway to the Highlands with one night's accommodation and dinner for two at Glenmoriston Town House Hotel, Inverness. Also join head chef Geoff Malmedy in the kitchen to see him and his team prepare your meal.
Thanks to Glenmoriston Town House Hotel

14. SNOW FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY
A family snowsports season ticket at the Nevis Range, Scotland's highest ski area, offering action packed activities in this winter wonderland for snowsports enthusiasts.
Thanks to Nevis Range

15. A DESIGNER HANDBAG
A Rocio leopard clutch bag, fabulously hand-crafted from acacia wood.
Thanks to Rocio

16. A DESIGNER BRACELET
Ruth is an exciting new take on traditional charm jewellery – become the proud owner of a designer glass charm bracelet.
Thanks to Truth Jewellery

17. A YEAR'S SUPPLY OF WHISKY
A case of 12 bottles of Whyte and Mackay whisky.
Thanks to Whyte and Mackay

18. HOGMANAY: CONCERT IN THE GARDENS
Be part of the most dramatic and exciting New Year celebrations with two tickets for Edinburgh's Concert in the Gardens, featuring Kasabian.
Thanks to Unique Events

19. HOGMANAY STREET PARTY PASSES
Six tickets to see in 2008 at Edinburgh's Hogmanay street party. Included is a copy of the new edition of Scotland the Best 08/09 by Pete Irvine.
Thanks to Unique Events

20. FREE LAUGHS
An exclusive unlimited pass for two to the last week of The Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival (March 17-23). With performances from the likes of Dame Edna Everage, Jimmy Carr, French and Saunders, and Karen Dunbar, plus films, theatre and late night clubs.
Thanks to Magners 2008 Glasgow International Comedy Festival

21. THE INSIDE PICTURE
Unlimited access to some of the National Galleries of Scotland's biggest and best exhibitions with a year-long membership for two.
Thanks to the National Galleries of Scotland

22. HITTING THE HIGH NOTES
Two tickets to Scottish Opera's breathtaking productions of Falstaff and Night at the Chinese Opera, as well as a backstage tour.
Thanks to Scottish Opera

23. EXPERT PLANT ADVICE
A private in-store half-hour consultation with one of Dobbies Garden Centres' plant experts, plus £50 worth of plants.
Thanks to Dobbies Garden Centre

24. DECORATE YOUR FAVOURITE ROOM
Print company Craig and Rose will advise on the best colours for one of your rooms – and they'll have the work carried out too.
Thanks to Craig and Rose

25. LEARN TO COOK AT NICK NAIRN'S
A relaxed day of cooking, eating and drinking – one person gets the chance to go on a day cookery course at the Nick Nairn Cook School.
Thanks to Nick Nairn Cook School

26. GARDEN MAKEOVER
Garden designer Diane Pyper will help you to design the garden of your dreams.
Thanks to Diane Pyper

27. FOURBALL AT LOCH LOMOND GOLF CLUB
Lot consists of three guests joining member Stephen McKechnie, managing director of Kelvin Properties, at the world-famous Loch Lomond Golf Club.
Thanks to Kelvin Properties

28. EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL FIREWORKS CONCERT
A group ticket (four adults) for the Bank of Scotland Fireworks Concert in Princes Street Gardens on the August 31, 2008.
Thanks to the Edinburgh International Festival

29. JOIN AN ADVERT SHOOT
One person can go behind the scenes as Newhaven, Scotland's Advertising Agency of the Year, shoot a TV/cinema ad. The company works with brands such as Tennent's Lager, ScottishPower and Bank of Scotland.
Thanks to Newhaven advertising agency

30. WINE TASTING
A personal wine tasting with Scotland on Sunday's wine critic, Will Lyons, in the comfort of your own home, Lyons will select a variety of wines, on a theme of your choice, for four people.

31. BEHIND THE SCENES AT SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY
A day in the offices of Scotland's leading quality Sunday newspaper, seeing how the staff put the paper together and how editorial decisions are made. Lot includes a framed copy of a Scotland on Sunday front page featuring the bidder's picture and life story.

32. A DAY IN THE COUNTRY
Join Scotland on Sunday's Walk of the Week writer Nick Drainey up a Munro, along a beach or by a river – the choice is yours.

33. PORTRAIT
A family or individual portrait taken by one of Scotland on Sunday's award-winning photographers.

34. A DAY AT THE RACES
Join Scotland on Sunday's racing correspondent and tipster Martin Hannan for a day at the races.

35. HARDEEP ROUND AT YOURS
An evening of entertainment with Scotland on Sunday columnist Hardeep Singh Kohli, who will cook a meal for you and three friends at your home.

36. RESTAURANT REVIEW
Dine with Scotland on Sunday's restaurant critic Richard Bath to see how he assesses the quality on offer at a specially selected restaurant.

37. MULBERRY BAG
Win a Mabel – the classic Mulberry bag beloved by supermodels, actresses and stylish celebrities, from a limited edition range in gold snakeskin.
Thanks to Mulberry. www.mulberry.com

38. TICKETS TO BLACK WATCH
Two tickets to the National Theatre's highly acclaimed play, Black Watch, on Friday, March 28, at the Rothes Halls, Glenrothes, Fife, with an opportunity to meet members of the Black Watch cast after the show.
Thanks to the National Theatre

39. SIX NATIONS RUGBY
Two tickets for the Scotland v France Six Nations Rugby International at Murrayfield on February 3, 2008. Includes 'fast track' entry to The Famous Grouse Marquee, entertainment from Jason Byrne and Ginger Grouse refreshment at the bar.
Thanks to The Famous Grouse Whisky

40. BOTTLE OF IMPERIAL TRIBUTE WHISKY
Handcrafted in Scotland, this is the debut offering of whisky industry veteran Michael Collings. Lovingly created from tiny quantities of malt whiskies aged between 10 and 40 years, only 1,000 bottles have been made in time for Christmas.
Thanks to Imperial Tribute Whisky

41. COOKERY DEMONSTRATION
Scotland on Sunday's food writer, Jacqueline O'Donnell, will host a cookery demonstration at her restaurant, The Sisters, for up to six people. Sample the food with selected wines chosen to match the dishes, at a date suited to the successful bidder.
Thanks to Jacqueline O'Donnell

42. LEARN TO BURLESQUE DANCE
A place at a workshop at Scotland's top burlesque club, Club Noir, on January 19, plus a walk-on part in its Valentines Club in February. Female bidders only.This prize is only suitable for a woman.
Thanks to Club Noir

43. BESPOKE CASHMERE SWEATER
Have the Belinda Robertson boutique to yourself for a bespoke shopping experience. Enjoy champagne and the attention of an expert stylist while you choose a beautiful bespoke sweater from the Belinda Robertson Scottish Cashmere Couture 'essential collection'.
Thanks to Belinda Robertson

44. TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE
Join internationally renowned life coach Dawn Breslin at The You Can Change Your Life course, in Edinburgh on January 12.
Thanks to Dawn Breslin

45. SKINCARE CONSULTATION
An Eve Lom Skincare consultation at either of Space NK's stores in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Plus a goody bag containing all 10 items from the Eve Lom Skincare range.
Thanks to Space NK

46. A CARICATURE
A full-colour A3 framed caricature of yourself, a member of your family or a friend, in stunning detail and vivid colour drawn by internationally-renowned caricaturist Neil K Kempsell.
Thanks to Neil K Kempsell

47. GIRLIE NIGHT IN
Two people will spend a night at five-star Cameron House Hotel, on the banks of Loch Lomond. The luxurious package includes breakfast, a manicure and full use of the thermal experience at the hotel's new Spa.
Thanks to Cameron House

48. LINGERIE LUXURY
A luxury experience for two at Boudiche, the UK's Best Lingerie Retailer (as voted by the prestigious Drapers Awards), in Edinburgh, not to mention a bottle of champagne and a £100 voucher to spend on decadent lingerie.
Thanks to Boudiche

49. TRAVEL IN STYLE
A day with an S-Class Mercedes, complete with uniformed chauffeur, at the lucky bidder's beck and call for eight hours.
Thanks to Targe Chauffeurs

50. THE AUTOGRAPH DRESS
A rare Autograph Exclusive satin dress (Size 10) – as worn by supermodel Laura Bailey – from the style-setting M&S range launched earlier this year.
Thanks to Marks & Spencer,
Argyle Street, Glasgow

The priceless gift that will cost you just 50p

THERE are now just five days to go to Scotland on Sunday's Bring 50p to Work Day, launched last week in support of our Christmas Appeal for Sightsavers International.

Laura McMonagle and Jayd Johnson: River City stars back the campaign

Companies and organisations - large and small - from across Scotland have agreed to take part in the initiative in which employees are asked to hold a fundraising day for the charity on December 14.

The idea is to welcome contributions of 50p, more if preferred - a small sum that will cover the cost of a tube of ointment for treating trachoma, an eye disease that still affects 80 million people around the world. In countries such as Tanzania, 20% of preventable blindness is caused by trachoma.

A contribution of £5 will help pay for an operation to reverse the most severe and painful form of the disease, trichiasis, in which the eyelid turns in on itself, scarring the cornea. Adults who contract the disease - mainly from their children - are unable to take part in normal village life, robbing communities of some of their previously most-active members.

Funds are also spent on projects such as building wells to give impoverished villages a regular water supply or simply latrines to ensure that the flies that spread the disease do not have breeding grounds close to homes and schools.

Full details of how to take part in Bring 50p to Work Day can be found at www.scotlandonsunday.com. Every company or organisation which takes part will be credited in Scotland on Sunday.

Companies and organisations already taking part include the Property Management Department at Stirling University, Ikea Scotland (Edinburgh), STV, Glasgow City Council, Cisco Systems, Dobbies Garden Centres, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, VisitScotland, Q-Mass Ltd., King's Theatre and Theatre Royal Glasgow, Mainstream Publishing, KPMG, Scotsman Publications and Myhouseprice.com.

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Scotland on Sunday Christmas Appeal -- Q&A

What does Sightsavers do?
Sightsavers works with local partners to combat blindness in developing countries, restoring sight through specialist treatment and eye care. We also support people who are irreversibly blind by providing education, counselling and training. We help the people who need it most - those living in poverty in some of the world's poorest countries – by supporting the development of long-term projects.

Where will donations from the appeal go?
Donations made to the Scotland on Sunday Christmas Appeal will be spent wherever the need is greatest. Sightsavers works in over 30 developing countries throughout Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.

How much of the money raised by Sightsavers goes towards the projects it supports?
In 2006, 71.1% of expenditure went towards projects, which equated to £17.69m. The remaining money was spent on generating funds to support our work in the future and governance costs. For more information please see our 2006 Annual Review on our website.

What governance does Sightsavers have in place to ensure that monies raised from the appeal actually reach the people they are meant to help?
Sightsavers works with local partner organisations who are as equally passionate about our mission and values as we are. They have strong links into the community and are committed to ensuring that the money is spent in the most effective way to support the poorest in the community.

All our partners are happy to engage in careful financial monitoring, with comprehensive measures in place to track expenditure. Sightsavers partners submit regular reports and accounts and are visited regularly by our country office staff as well as an independent audit team.

How does Sightsavers work to treat Trachoma?
Sightsavers applies the WHO recommended SAFE strategy for combating trachoma - Surgery, Antibiotics, Face washing and Environment changes.

Sightsavers and its partners train community health workers to identify trachoma and also educate villagers on the signs of the infection. The antibiotic ointment, tetracycline, which costs just 50 pence a tube and is taken over a six week period, is effective in curing the disease and preventing the onset of trichiasis.

Where the disease has developed into trichiasis, following repeated infection and scarring of the cornea, surgery can prevent blindness by stopping the eyelashes from rubbing against the eyeball. This surgery is typically done at a community level by a specially trained health worker.

As well as training community health workers to identify trachoma, education amongst villagers plays a key role in prevention. Encouraging face and hand washing can help reduce transmission rates.

Lastly, to beat trachoma in the long term, communities are being encouraged to set up local sanitation committees to build latrines, separate their live stock from areas where people sleep, and ensure rubbish is collected and burnt regularly. This helps reduce the number of flies with which people come into contact with.

Is improving water sanitation for communities, like those featured in the appeal, an area Sightsavers has considered supporting?

To date, funds have largely been focused on projects that aim to reduce the prevalence rates of trachoma in communities, and to identify and operate on those suffering from trichiasis before their blindness becomes irreversible.

However Sightsavers is also working in conjunction with partners, such as WaterAid and local governments to support schemes that provide clean water and sanitation for communities, implementing a critical part of the SAFE strategy.

Killa Virkan, a small village in Punjab, Pakistan is one such community where this is taking place. As well as focusing on community education, and intensive training of community health workers, Sightsavers has worked with local partners and local government to improve village infrastructure. Providing clean filtered water, along with building latrines, paving roads etc has improved village sanitation. Due to the success of the changes, in virtually eradicating trachoma, the project is now being rolled out to six other villages in the area over the next few months.

Does Sightsavers accept the donation of used spectacles?
Sightsavers policy is not to collect and send second-hand glasses to developing countries but instead to fund the local production of glasses which are then used as an income generating scheme for our local partners, providing high quality glasses at a small cost. In our experience, using second glasses also incurs costs. The glasses have to be cleaned and measured to find out what strength they are and shipped over to the relevant country.

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You may download a 'Sightsavers 50 pence Friday' poster and supporting Sightsavers pamphlet. (You will need Acrobat reader to open the pdf files.)