SCOTTISH actress Barbara Rafferty has encouraged Scots to get involved in a new series of Memory Walks.

The Alzheimer Scotland Memory Walks will take place across Scotland during September to help raise urgent funds for dementia care.

They will culminate in an event at Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park on Sunday, October 4.

With more than 90,000 Scots living with dementia, and the number set to double in a generation, Ms Rafferty, whose mother, Elizabeth, was diagnosed with the illness 12 years ago, is backing Scotland’s leading dementia charity in its quest to deliver the biggest Memory Walk events to date.

Previous Memory Walks have raised more than £100,000, which fund the charity's vital services across Scotland.

"I think the walks are a brilliant idea," Ms Rafferty said.

"They are really sociable - people can join up with other carers, with friends and family members, and with people who have Alzheimers or dementia.

"The idea is to make people aware of the enormity of this condition. More than 90,000 people in Scotland have this disease and the number is set to double, which is an alarming thought."

Ms Rafferty, who will take part in the Kelvingrove event in October, said: “I’m delighted to be given the chance take part in such a positive and uplifting event to help support dementia awareness.

"It was a shock to everyone when Mum was diagnosed with dementia.

"It’s been a challenging journey and I hope that in the future nobody has to face dementia alone.

"It will be wonderful to join everyone who is walking to help fight dementia whilst having a great day out.

"Hopefully the events will raise the money needed to help make a real different to those people living with dementia and their carers.

"My mum remains very fit and she has managed to keep going. She doesn't really speak but every now and again she will have amazing moments of clarity.

"You think briefly that she is coming back, but then the mist comes down again.

"She still looks lovely and she still hums tunes. She used to know a lot of songs.

"But you have to be positive. She is happy and content where she is.

"You have to look at it positively. I still know that I can give her a cuddle, can still stroke her face when I visit her in her care home, and I can make her laugh as well.

"Somebody once said that if teenagers got dementia, then more would be done about it. But young people do get it as well now."

She added: “Many carers looking after relatives can find it a difficult and lonely situation.

"My father David cared for my mother for many years, and he certainly found Alzheimer Scotland very helpful.”

Ms Rafferty launched the new series of Memory Walks on the steps of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Anna Devine, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Alzheimer Scotland, said: “Dementia is Scotland’s biggest health crisis and it isn’t going to go away.

"Supporting people with dementia, and their carers, to live well in our local communities is a shared responsibility not just government, NHS, local councils, or charities – everyone has a part to play.

"Our Memory Walk events promote dementia-friendly communities and offer a positive experience for Scots to come together and celebrate their loved ones and help us on the road to providing better care and support.

“Funds raised will be used to help support vital services including our 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline, Dementia Advisors, Dementia Nurses and urgent dementia research. Funds will also support important local activities, such as Dementia Cafés, support groups, singing and gardening groups.

"We look forward to a month-long celebration and welcoming record numbers to the walks.”

Registration is £10 for adults, £5 for 12-16 year olds and free for under 12s. Alzheimer Scotland is asking participants to raise £100 in sponsorship.

For more details visit www.MemoryWalksScotland.org. The 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline can be reached on 0808 808 3000.