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Highland Hospice can't mask delight over big-hearted gesture from Hill of Fearn Tartan Creations designer; Swish sunflower masks a huge hit with public as demand soars


By Hector MacKenzie

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Yvonne Macrae from Tartan Creations, based in Hill of Fearn.
Yvonne Macrae from Tartan Creations, based in Hill of Fearn.

AN Easter Ross designer forced to diversify as a result of the coronavirus crisis has dealt a big-hearted boost to a charity close to her heart also hit hard by Covid-19.

Yvonne Macrae from Tartan Creations in Hill of Fearn switched from one-off bespoke tartan accessories to making face masks – a move which has proved a huge hit with the public.

Keen to support a charity close to her heart, she opted for Highland Hospice which has been hit hard by cancelled fundraisers and the closure of its cafe. She sourced some beautiful sunflower material, the emblem of the hospice, and was delighted to be gifted the material from Alison at Elizabeth’s Fabrics in Thurso, whose son was cared for by the hospice.

Ms Macrae has been donating £1 from every mask sold on top of donating 100 to Highland Hospice, which sold out in hours.

"The sunflower masks have proved to be so popular we could have sold them 10 times over, we look forward to seeing them being worn throughout the Highlands.” - Emma Nicol, Highland Hospice

So far, her effort has gifted £2145 with more income to come from on-going mask orders.

Emma Nicol from Highland Hospice said: “We are so thankful to Yvonne for her generous donation. Like many charities we have lost an incredible amount of income due to Covid-19 and have been overwhelmed with the kindness and support from our Highland community. Our teams have been working throughout this pandemic to ensure the same level of expert care is delivered to all our patients and their families in these unprecedented times.

"The sunflower masks have proved to be so popular we could have sold them 10 times over, we look forward to seeing them being worn throughout the Highlands.”

Ms Macrae said: "I never ever thought I would be diversifying my small business into making cloth face coverings. I have found it very strange but hope I have delivered a mask that the customer is happy with, it is reusable, wearable, made from four layers of natural cotton fabric and gives comfort of protection to the wearer and others. Demand is very high, some days I'm working many more hours than I would normally.

"There is normality returning but many of our sales will come from online for the foreseeable future, possibly into 2021 due to the cancellation of many of the events we would attend in the coming months. Highland Hospice is close to many hearts and I'm only happy to help and support them through these times."

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