主播大秀

As we cautiously approach an unpredictable Christmas, Cathy is joined by three wise guests from around Scotland to reflect on the year that鈥檚 been, and what they most value and enjoy about this time. Her guests are: Reverend Philip Blackledge, Rector of Holy Trinity Melrose, Father Roddy Johnston, Parish Priest of Saint Muns Church in Glencoe, and Reverend Moira McDonald, Minister of Corstorphine Old Parish Church in Edinburgh. They share their thoughts on what their Christmas message will be this year, advent calendars that run out of chocolate, Christmas jumpers, and their person of the year.

NHS Scotland has reported a drop in blood donors but an interfaith group bringing leaders from across Scotland鈥檚 faith groups is trying to help. Cathy hears from Shabir Beg, Chairman of the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society and Reverend Nelu Balaj, Church of Scotland minister at St Andrew鈥檚 Church parish in Livingston, whose church hall became an emergency blood donor centre earlier this year.

Cathy is then joined by Martin Plaut, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, to explore some of the dilemmas facing aid agencies trying to help in places like Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa; countries where the populations are facing famine but the practical and political obstacles to providing help are very challenging.

Scotland's National Clinical Director, Professor Jason Leitch, shares something of what sustains and inspires him in his private life; his faith and his love for the hymn How Great Thou Art.

A new TV series on the 主播大秀 is following Benedictine monks and nuns from around the country in the lead up to Christmas. The series provides an insight into both ancient and modern skills, from bookbinding and rosary bead making, to their skills as chocolatiers as well as giving an understanding of their daily lives. Father Jamie McMorrin, assistant priest at St Mary鈥檚 Catholic Cathedral, and Sister Margaret Walsh, a Notre Dame sister living in Glasgow, offer their thoughts.