Highland metal detectorists strike cash for charity special needs project SNAP

Members of a north metal detecting group have managed to "unearth" some welcome cash for SNAP.

The charity, the Special Needs Action Project, works with children, young people and adults with additional support needs

Terry Kay the administrator of a non-profit Facebook group called Highland Metal Detectorists earlier this month organised sponsored Christmas digs on farmland south-west of Inverness with welcome results.

Terry (61) from Kinmylies, Inverness, said: "The charity metal detecting digs were well attended by people from across the Highlands.

• Highland Council pledges support for struggling SNAP

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"With the help of two sponsors, detector specialists Regton’s Ltd and Crawford’s Metal Detectors, we managed to raise a total of £460 which went to the local community charity SNAP who were absolutely delighted with the support.

"I contacted the companies, and they gave us merchandise to raffle and members taking part were generous enough to give £10 up front and some more. We also got raffle prizes from other generous sources.

"The first dig was held on December 3 but the ground was so frozen, only some members who had driven from Elgin and Dornoch carried on.

"We held a second on December 10 and conditions were better and it was quite productive with several interesting finds."

They included a Bronze Age axe head known as a votive, or offering to the gods found by Dave Inglis and a silver King George III coin known as a "bull head" because of His Majesty's appearance, found by Donald MacLellan.

Terry said SNAP was chosen as it was facing a slump in financial support and did much good work with young people needing additional support.

SNAP (Special Needs Action Project) exists to improve the lives of young people by providing social experiences, building self-esteem, and encouraging independence. It provides opportunities for making friends and socialising supported by experienced staff and volunteers.

SNAP employ over 20 staff and have a dedicated team of over 15 volunteers and supports in the region of 80 children and young people.

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