Highland 'blood bikes' charity receives two new motorcycles for voluntary work
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Highland and Islands Blood Bikes (HAIBB) has received two new motorcycles.
The charity, functioning on a voluntary basis, helps to transport vital medical supplies and samples for free for the NHS.
HAIBB covered more than 158,000 miles in 2020, and the new bikes will replace older models which have aged and are showing signs of wear and tear.
There are fleets based in Inverness, Wick, Fort William and Oban.
The charity was started up just before the pandemic, and was key in helping efforts ever since.
Ross Sharp, president of HAIBB, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this much-needed funding from the Inverness Common Good Fund. We are a 100 per cent free and 100 per cent volunteered charity, relying entirely on donations and people stepping forward to help their community.
“These new bikes will play a huge part in allowing us to carry on with our service. I’d like to thank the Inverness Common Good Fund for helping us serve our community.”
Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael said: “I am delighted to speak for the city councillors who all gave unanimous support for the award from the Inverness Common Good Fund, in support of this much-valued voluntary service.
“I hope that the support from the Inverness Common Good Fund inspires others to help Blood Bikes in the future.”
Volunteers faced a workload during the pandemic of more than 7000 hours. They recently acquired a van which will be a useful addition to the fleet in the winter months.
Councillor Andrew Jarvie said: “I am glad that in the end the Inverness committee agreed to overturn the initial refusal to award this money. An excellent example of what the Common Good Fund is for.”
More: www.haibloodbikes.co.uk
