Ross-based MSP uses Christmas card to flag Haven Appeal
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A ROSS-SHIRE-based politician is using her Christmas card to raise awareness of an ambitious appeal to build Scotland’s first multi-purpose facility for children and young people with severe learning disabilities.
As politicians, civic leaders and organisations send out their annual messages of goodwill, Kate Forbes, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, is highlighting the Haven Appeal along with her festive message.
The centre, to be built at a site in Smithton, Inverness, will include respite facilities, a community café and garden, a play centre with indoor and outdoor facilities and meeting space.
Ms Forbes hopes the hundreds receiving her card – featuring a photograph of two Highland cattle against a background of snow-covered mountains – will support the appeal.
“The Haven Appeal is really important to those in need of the care and respite that the Haven could deliver,” she said. “It could be an incredibly important service to people right across the Highlands.
“I’ve met with the individuals involved and I am hugely supportive of what they are trying to achieve.”
Iain Boyd, the appeal’s marketing project co-ordinator, was delighted the MSP had approached the charity.
“This is an excellent opportunity for us to promote the Haven Appeal’s message of creating smiles on the faces of the children and young people who most deserve our help,” he said.
Highland Council convener Bill Lobban is using his official Christmas card to highlight the artistic skills of a youngster from the region.
Each year, his card is designed by a pupil from a primary school in the Badenoch and Strathspey ward which he represents.
This year, the design competition was held at Grantown Primary where an entry submitted by P4 pupil Dominik Ganderski was chosen as the winner by local professional artist Rona Kant.
Dominik’s design features the silhouette of Santa in his sleigh being pulled along by his reindeer over a snowy landscape.
A photograph of Inverness Town House is the choice of Christmas card sent out by the city’s provost Helen Carmichael.
The image, which depicts the building illuminated at night, captures the recently-restored A-listed structure in all its glory.
“As Provost of Inverness, I am delighted to promote the fantastic renovations of Inverness Town House which are depicted in the card,” she said.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSPs Rhoda Grant and David Stewart have opted for an atmospheric image of the Scottish Parliament in the snow for this year’s card.
“This year, the Scottish Parliament celebrated the 20th anniversary of its creation and we think this card highlights the iconic building with a festive touch added,” they said in a joint statement.
“We are both very proud of the parliament and what it has achieved over the past 20 years and the introduction of laws which impact on all of our daily lives.”
Inverness College UHI is sending an e-card for the second year running, in line with its sustainability aims.
In September, it followed other organisations including Highland Council and the Scottish Government in declaring a climate emergency, a commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions and set timescales and targets for action.
“Inverness College UHI committed to recycling 95 per cent of its waste by the end of 2020,” a spokeswoman said. “This means working with staff and students to reduce everyone’s individual waste by 10 per cent.”
The card was created by BA (Hons) Visual Communication and Design student Leanne Munro, also a student intern in the college’s marketing and communications department.
