Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy unveiled a Tree of Life artwork at Jewish Care Scotland’s day centre in Giffnock, Glasgow, on Sunday which has already raised over £12,000 for the charity.

Designed by Lynn Wolfson, the six-foot high installation is in the centre’s reception area. Community members can add leaves to celebrate simchahs or to remember loved ones by making a £250 donation. One-third of the 150 leaves have already been sold. There is also a book of dedications.

The Provost of East Renfrewshire, Alex Mackie, was also among the 90 guests at the ceremony, at which Ms Wolfson hung a leaf in memory of her mother Phyllis Shulman, a devoted supporter of social welfare in Glasgow.

Welcoming the project, Mr Murphy said: “There is an inestimable value in the role of the voluntary sector in social services and I’m delighted to be here among friends. I look forward to today’s event having a lasting legacy and I congratulate those who have put funds in.”

Jewish Care Scotland chair Maureen Solomons reported that “in these very difficult times, many of our clients are facing additional problems, both financial and emotional. We will be putting the money raised from this wonderful initiative to very good use.”