THREE members of The Evening Times staff inked up this week as part of a worldwide project to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.

Laura Campbell, Suzie Sullivan and Nicola Riley had semicolons tattooed onto their wrist as part of the Semicolon Project.

Started by US campaigner Amy Bleuel, the semicolon is seen as a symbol in support of those struggling with mental health.

Campbell said: “What the semicolon represents is that a life’s not ended, they’re not here, but they are still here with us.”

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Across the UK today, tattoo parlours are taking part in the project and donating all the proceeds of semicolon tattoos to charity.

The women headed to Kaya Tattoo Studio, Dumbarton Road, Wednesday, to get their tattoos - Kaya are the only Glasgow based studio taking part in the project.

The parlour are fully booked today for semicolon tattoos, after a Facebook post advertising they were taking part in the project went viral.

Tattooist and owner, Paul Hamilton, said they are still welcoming walk ins and are expecting a queue out the door.

“We have about 25 people booked in but we are hoping to do more than 30,” said Hamilton.

“I am basically going to work until I drop, I think I can do about six or seven an hour.

“We are asking for £10 for each tattoo and all proceeds will be going to the Scottish Mental Health Association.

“Not many souls are untouched by this issue, it's a good thing to do and it’s only one day, we can all give one day.”

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Sullivan said: “I think most people who get tattoos, get them for a reason to tell a story as part of their life and tattoos means it always there.

“It's always reminding people that people are suffering from depression and to give support and its always at the forefront of people's minds.”

Campbell added: “I also think it’s really good how many studios are taking part in this across the UK, it will be really good to see how many people take part this year and if they can double or triple their numbers in 2020.

“And who knows maybe we will get another one next year.”