Mikeysline teams up with Black Isle fashion designer to sell new tartan scarves to support mental health
Highland mental health and suicide prevention charity Mikeysline is weaving Scotland's heritage into mental health advocacy with the launch of its new tartan scarf collection.
Created in collaboration with acclaimed Black Isle designer and Mikeysline ambassador Siobhan Mackenzie, the limited-edition collection combines the timeless appeal of Scottish tartan with a powerful message: to support those struggling with mental health across the Highlands.
Centred around Mikeysline's key messages of "it's ok not to be ok" and urging us all to "Bee the change" to change the dialogue around mental health in Highland, the scarf features black and yellow bumblebee stripes woven into the traditional tartan pattern and is finished with a bumblebee pin.
Designer Siobhan Mackenzie recently debuted the new scarf alongside Sir Jim Walker of Walker's Shortbread during a visit to New York City, where she received the prestigious Young Scot Wallace Award from the American Scottish Foundation.
The Young Scot Wallace Award recognises young Scottish individuals making remarkable contributions in their field, with Siobhan honoured for her distinctive impact in fashion.
During her time in New York, Siobhan showcased the Mikeysline tartan against iconic city backdrops, bringing global attention to the tartan and its mission.
Chief executive of Mikeysline, Emily Stokes, said: "We can't thank Siobhan enough for the hard work and skill she has put into these products. Seeing the Mikeysline tartan worn on the streets of New York really is quite something.
"To us, the new collection is more than just a fashion statement; it's a heartfelt tribute to our rich Highland heritage and a tangible symbol of our commitment to mental health and suicide prevention support in Highland.
“By integrating the bumblebee stripes into the design, we hope it can be a reminder to all that it's ok not to be ok and that support is all around, as well as igniting conversations around that."
With every scarf sold, Mikeysline's supporters are helping to fund mental health services for those in need across the Highlands.
Crafted from premium Scottish wool and priced at £40, the scarves are available online, with all proceeds directly supporting Mikeysline's essential work.
To purchase a limited-edition Mikeysline scarf, please visit www.shop.mikeysline.co.uk.
Since 2015, Mikeysline has offered confidential, non-judgemental support to people of all ages dealing with mental health issues, emotional distress or thoughts of suicide in the Highlands, Islands and Moray. It does this via a text line service at 07786 207755; WhatsApp at 01463 729000, messenger and via its website and live chat.
The charity also produces a podcast, Speaking of Suicide; provides support for businesses; works closely with teachers and pupils in schools across the north of Scotland; and offers face-to-face support in Hives across the region – at its Inverness headquarters and in Alness, Nairn, Tain, Portmahomack, Thurso and Elgin.
Here, service users can engage in one-to-one support or, at some venues, join in group sessions for adults, men, families and school communities.
