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Black Isle designer shows her support for anti-racism campaign


By Louise Glen

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Designer Siobhan Mackenzie is supporting local campaigners Nya Gibson-Proudfoot (left) and Iona Henderson in the Black Lives Matter campaign with a specially designed sign in Fortrose. Picture: Callum Mackay
Designer Siobhan Mackenzie is supporting local campaigners Nya Gibson-Proudfoot (left) and Iona Henderson in the Black Lives Matter campaign with a specially designed sign in Fortrose. Picture: Callum Mackay

AN international fashion designer from the Black Isle said she was "gob-smacked" at the racism of some members of the community on social media in her home village.

Siobhan MacKenzie (27), who has dressed the likes of pop star Justin Beiber and designed the Scotland team outfits at the Commonwealth Games, has made a tartan Black Lives Matter banner, with her cousin, Daniel Wemyss, to show that racism is still an issue very close to home in Fortrose.

Ms MacKenzie said: "A number of young women eloquently designed and made posters to put up in the village to share their solidarity with the Black Lives Matter campaign in America.But they were taken down by people in the village.

"I wanted to make a banner to show my support for them, and to send a clear message out to the world that in the Black Isle racism exists and people need to educate themselves.

Signs have been placed to raise awareness.
Signs have been placed to raise awareness.

"I am proud of these young women, I don't know them, but what they are doing is exceptional. I am hearing that more money is needed to educate our young people about racism. Well in my view the young people know what they are talking about.

"We are perhaps needing to educate other sectors of the community in racism, and the fact it exists in the Highlands."

More on this story inside this week's edition.

News from Ross-shire


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