Baton of Hope Tour to visit East Ayrshire next year

From 1 September 2027, the world’s first physical symbol of mental wellbeing will start on its most ambitious journey to date.

Preparations are already underway to host the Baton’s arrival in Kilmarnock and other areas of East Ayrshire (still to be confirmed), on Friday 1 October 2027.

The online application process to become a 2027 Baton Bearer is also now open, with details on how to apply available on the charity’s website and social media. 

Councillor Clare Maitland, East Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, said: “It is such an honour that the Baton of Hope will be coming to East Ayrshire as part of its tour of the UK.

“As well as an important symbol of hope that’s passed hand-to-hand between those who have been affected by suicide, the baton is an opportunity to encourage open conversations about suicide while increasing awareness of what support is available.

“Our local support is the result of hard work and collaboration between local services, communities and people with lived and living experience of suicide.

“We’ll be drawing on their views and ideas for the baton’s time in East Ayrshire, and we can’t wait to share with you what is gearing up to be an extraordinary day full of hope and inspiration.”

East Ayrshire is one of 21 locations selected to take part in the relay around England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man throughout September and October next year. 

In East Ayrshire, communities will unite to organise a day of activities and events to coincide with the Baton’s arrival, connecting suicide prevention charities and mental health organisations as the Baton is passed from one person to another in a physical reminder of a shared responsibility.

In 2025 more than 1,000 Baton Bearers were involved, driven by their desire to change society’s attitudes to suicide. Celebrities, sports personalities and politicians joined people who were selected because of their personal stories of bereavement, or their lived experience of the impact of suicide.

The Baton of Hope is the charity’s physical symbol of hope that was handcrafted by Thomas Lyte, a Royal Warrant holder as goldsmith and silversmith to His Majesty the King Charles III, and maker of the Emirates FA Cup and other trophies.

The 2027 campaign builds on the resounding success of previous Tours in 2025 and 2023 and marks the vital role the suicide prevention and awareness charity plays in saving lives

Mike McCarthy, Co-Founder and Chair of The Baton of Hope, said: “This is one of the most difficult subjects to talk about, but the Tour is as much about life and hope as it is about death and despair. Even if we bring just the smallest glimmer of hope to someone, we have opened a door.”

Like Mike McCarthy, many are driven by the legacy of their loved ones. Mike lost his son Ross to suicide in 2021.

“Ross asked me in his goodbye letter if I would fight for mental health support, and use my voice as a journalist to make people listen. To me the greatest privilege, the greatest cause is to save a life.” 

The Baton of Hope is a member of the National Suicide Prevention Network, an initiative launched by The Prince and Princess of Wales’ Royal Foundation, bringing together charities and organisations to help transform suicide prevention in the UK.

To apply to become a 2027 Baton Bearer, visit: https://thebatonofhope.org/our-initiatives/the-tour/2027-tour/baton-bearers-2027/#apply

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