LOCAL NEWS 16 MARCH 2023

Skye and Lochalsh Mental Health Association: “I don’t know where I would be without it.”

A long-term member of the Skye and Lochalsh Health Mental Health Association has spoken out about the importance of seeking help and has praised the organisation for changing her life

Speaking to Radio Skye, during mental health awareness week, Victoria Goodridge said she didn’t know where she would be without the association, which is known locally as Am Fasgadh, and said there was no shame in seeking help.

She said: “I been on Skye for 20-odd years, but I have been coming here for about 30 years.

“I come here for my mental health, plus I had cancer as well. I wouldn’t have known I had cancer if it wasn’t for Am Fasgadh – they push me to go to see the doctor.

“All the staff have been brilliant with me through the cancer, they have taken me to my appointments, making sure I understood things.

“They always make sure I have a hot meal, as I can’t cook.”

Victoria said that she would be sure where she would be without Am Fasgadh.

“I have made loads of friends in here,” she said.

“If this place was not here, I don’t know where I would be to tell the truth. I would have probably ended up in hospital.

“This is a godsend this place. It is open seven days a week.

“You don’t need to talk to people if you don’t want to. But it is somewhere to come and if you have stuff on your chest you can get it out.

“All people have to do is pop in, have a cup of tea or coffee. It is not a shame to get a coffee, and meet new people, and find out what it is all about.

“There is always help in here.”

Sandra MacKenzie, who works as the centre manager, told Radio Skye: “We are here 365 days a year. People who come here suffer from health problems everyday and sometimes for years on end.

“It is good for people to focus and see what is available in their area, we have a social media presence, we are on Instagram, Twitter and on Facebook and our website.

“We help people through short-term illnesses or long-term, life-long, severe and enduring illnesses. We can offer advice, we can just be a pop-in, people don’t need to be referred to us.

“People can pop-in, give us a call, or reach out to us on social media, and we will get back to them.

Sandra said that despite its established presence within the community funding remains a constant challenge for the organisation which marks its 30th anniversary this year.

“The biggest stress for me is always funding,” she said.

“We are always short of money, and not knowing from year-to year where we are.

However, she added: “It is an amazing thing being able to spend your working life helping other people. That helps our mental health being able to do that.

“It is a privilege to be able help people and make their lives a little bit better.”

For more information on Am Fasgadh you can visit the website or call 01478613533.

Dunvegan Primary School bid decision expected by end of May

The chair of the Highland Council’s education committee has said the success of a funding bid for a new school in Dunvegan is expected to be decided later this month.

The council’s bid for the Dunvegan Primary School was submitted in October 2022 last year and was initially due to be decided in January.

However, the local authority is awaiting confirmation of which bids are successful from the Scottish Government due to external funding matters.

Speaking to Radio Skye, Highland Council Education Committee Chair, Councillor John Finlayson explained the current situation regarding the bid.

He said: “I am sure as everyone knows, the council is under huge financial pressures.

“In terms of our capital programme, we are still awaiting a response from the Scottish Goverment about the LEIP programme (Learning Estate Investment Programme) and whether our applications have been successful.

“We were due to get this information, which includes an application for Dunvegan Primary School, in January, and we are now expecting this announcement before the end of this month.”

He went on to say: “As for now, there are design programmes continuing and there is work continuing to prepare, hopefully for good news.”

The Highland Council has said the outcome of the bids will have a significant impact on its capital review that is underway, but this will not be completed until later this year.

Shiel shinty players to take on 15k obstacle course challenge

Ten Kinlochshiel shinty players will take on a gruelling 15k obstacle event next month to raise funds for the everyday running of the club.

Keith MacRae, Finlay MacRae, David Falconer, Colin MacDiarmid, Donald Nixon, Ali Nixon, Duncan DA MacRae, Seumas Martin, and Keiran Martin will take part in the Tough Mudder 15k event at Drumlanrig Castle and Garden in Thornhill which involves 30 obstacles on Saturday 3rd June.

Speaking to Radio Skye, Shiel forward Keith MacRae spoke about the challenge awaiting the players.

“It’s 15k and there’s 30 obstacles, I think it is about 9.3 miles, and there is quite a few of us taking part.

“We just thought we would do it for the club, we are trying to raise lots of funds for various things, like our bus – which is just about to give out – and that’s obviously all the teams’ transport from the under 14s to the ladies to the men’s first team.

“Us players, just want to do something for the club.”

For more information and to donate to the Shiel fundraising click here.

News by Adam Gordon

You can listen to the latest local news for Skye and Lochalsh at the times below by clicking on the banner