Monday 3rd May, 2010

The Ettrick, 159 Dumbarton Rd , Old Kilpatrick, Glasgow G60 5JQ

The song 'Can't Catch The Butterfly' is being released to raise funds for The Butterfly Action Project a community project in Old Kilpatrick. This is part of an ongoing and wider initiative taking action to prevent, or reduce, the number of tragedies in the village through lives being lost off the Erskine Bridge.

The song, written by Jim Byrne and Pat Byrne at the request of Ann Morgan and performed by Jim Byrne and local musicians Johnny Russell, Sharon Campbell and Dinny, will be launched on Monday, 3rd May at The Ettrick, Old Kilpatrick.

Funds from the launch, sale of the single plus other live music events will create a community focus and support local initiatives concerned with the issue. Already work has commenced on the creation of a Community Butterfly Garden, under the Erskine Bridge, in memory of those who have lost their lives. Family members and volunteers, including the Boy Scouts, have been clearing the area and planting a wild flower garden with support from West Dunbartonshire Countryside Ranger Service and the organisation Mental Health Who Cares.

Come along to the launch and support the Butterfly Action Project and have a great night out. LIve music, raffle and snacks. Entry free. 8 p.m. Monday 3rd May

Jim Byrne will perform the song live on the night. Guests include Dinny, Sharon Campbell, Johnny Russell, Chris Barrett.

The Ettrick, 159 Dumbarton Rd Old Kilpatrick Glasgow Lanarkshire G60 5JQ. Telephone: 01389 383 382

Purchase:

You can buy: 'Can't Catch The Butterfly' at www.songsbyjimbyrne.com from 3rd May, 2010.

A side: 'Can't Catch The Butterfly'

B side: `You Tell Me Every Day Is Sunshine'

Cost £5 all proceeds to the Butterfly Action Project.

Musicians

'Can't Catch The Butterfly'. Jim Byrne: vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards.
Johnny Russell, Sharon Campbell, Dinny: backing vocals.

`You Tell Me Every Day Is Sunshine'. Jim Byrne and Dinny: vocals.
Jim Byrne: guitars, bass, keyboards.

'Can't Catch The Butterfly'. by Jim Byrne and Pat Byrne. `You Tell Me Every Day Is Sunshine'. by Jim Byrne.

'Can't Catch the Butterfly'Lyrics

your life is short, but beautiful

you do not fear the dying day

flying free, warm summer breeze

from flower to flower your path is clear

you display your colours, for all to see

and it's nature's job just to keep you free

but fragile thoughts, like a butterfly's wing

so easily torn, and with a troubled soul

there?s the pain that that brings

but you can't catch the butterfly

it's always on the wing

so don't shed a tear

your memories will keeps them near

an innocent, magic man

so many gifts, so full of charm

you heard him laugh and tell his tale

gave his family love

gave his friends the same

you can't catch the butterfly

it's always on the wing

so don't shed a tear

memories will keeps them near

your life was short, but beautiful

Actions to address loss of lives from the Erskine Bridge

The Erskine Bridge is one of Scotland's most notorious suicide spots. Particularly shocking was the double suicide of two teenagers, Neve Lafferty and Georgia Rowe in October, 2009.

1. In a bid to prevent people taking their lives at the Erskine Bridge The Samaratins have erected four signs on each of the two entrances and exits of the Erskine Bridge displaying their helpline number. (March, 2010)

2. Des McNulty local MSP points out that: The closeness of the bridge means the people of Old Kilpatrick are affected more than any other community in Scotland by suicide attempts. Something needs to be done to change that. Along with his MSP for West Renfrewshire, Trish Godman, he has called for measures to be taken to secure the bridge including an extension to preventative fencing and installation of more cameras.
(des mcnulty/erskine bridge)

3. The Scottish Government is currently progressing safety plans, including the installation of fourteen CCTV cameras to deter people from taking their own lives. Tests are also progressing regarding possible adjustments to the parapet to make it higher or harder to climb. (April, 2010)

4. The Butterfly Action Project supports the aims of the Scottish Government to secure the bridge and shares their view that measures are needed to help those in distress deal with the problems they face so that further tragedies can be prevented or reduced.

5. Mental Health Who Cares?
A local support group, founded by carers and run by carers and self carers, has been awarded a grant for their next drama project and aim to make a film about the issue of suicide and the Erskine Bridge.

Contacts:

For information about the song contact

Jim Byrne

For information about The Butterfly Action Project contact:

Ann Morgan
Pat Byrne