Nessie installation sees milestone reached in Fresh Air Project work
Transformational work to convert outside spaces at a local children’s hospital has reached a significant stage with the completion of its 30ft Nessie centre piece.
Visitors to the Highland Children’s Unit will now be greeted by the topiary sculpture outside the entrance, thanks to a generous donation from Cruise Loch Ness.
The ARCHIE Foundation has been carrying out its Fresh Air Project to make the gardens of the hospital more welcoming, after £139,000 was raised by its supporters.
The impressive Nessie sculpture at the entrance to the unit was made possible thanks to a sponsorship from the Fort Augustus-based family business, which runs boat trips on the iconic Loch Ness.
Debi Mackenzie, Cruise Loch Ness Director, said: “We are excited to be supporting the Fresh Air Project and hope that the 30ft Nessie sculpture centrepiece we are sponsoring will bring some joy to young patients lives at a time that must be very difficult for them.
“Our business brings people out into the fresh air of Loch Ness, so what better fit for us than to support this initiative.
“We’d like to congratulate the whole team at The ARCHIE Foundation on their hard work to make this happen and look forward to seeing patients at the Highland Children’s Unit enjoy the garden for years to come.”
Chair of the ARCHIE Highland Fundraising Board, Mary Nimmo of Munro and Noble Partners, added: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Ronald and Debi from Cruise Loch Ness on this vital project.
“They have been incredibly generous with their time and resources whilst running a very successful business. They have risen to the challenge time and time again.
“On behalf of The ARCHIE Foundation and all of the sick children and their loved ones, we express our most sincere thank you to Ronald and Debi. We have been truly humbled by their generosity.”
Work continues on the remaining outdoor spaces at the unit and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Keep your eyes on our Facebook and Twitter channels for further updates.
