PICTURES: Romantic Ross-shire crofter's big-hearted gesture set to boost the coffers of Highland Hospice as path prepared for touching fundraiser
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A ROSS-SHIRE man whose heartfelt gesture to his wife sparked a mystery that fuelled speculation for years is set to step out on a unique fundraising challenge for one of the most treasured charities in the Highlands.
Neil MacDonald (81) first created ‘The Heart on the Hill’ around 15 years ago.
The huge heart on the hillside at Knockfarrel opposite his croft was a romantic gesture to his beloved wife Mina, in case he ever forgot to say, “I love you".
The big-hearted crofter is now gearing up to raise funds for Highland Hospice this summer – with the famous design very much at the heart of his plans.
Mr MacDonald plans to carry out a series of walks around it this summer, starting next Saturday.
He said: “I have fundraised successfully for various charities over the years, including Highland Hospice which is close to my heart.
"I will begin my walks in early July, and intend to do as many as I can. Although I have not set myself a specific target in terms of circuits around the heart, I am hoping to initially raise £2500 for the Hospice.
"Hopefully the weather will be kind to me, and I will be updating my supporters on my progress via the ‘Big Heart on the Hill’ Facebook group. I’m very grateful to be supported by friends and neighbours, who will be taking turns to walk with me”
Asked about his heart design – later followed by a flower – he said: "I was always fascinated by crop circles, and in particular their precision.
"In the middle of one late summer’s night, I set out on my own in secret – and after two moonlight outings it was finished. On the first night, ropes were tied to a pivotal stake measured out as a compass to create two smooth curves at the top of the heart. Then on night two, I planted a torch at the bottom point of the heart, which guided me in a straight line from the two outer edges of the top curves. I also flattened the high bracken around it –it was quite difficult in the dark!”
The following year he created a flower using the same method.
Each year, he and one or two of his neighbours flatten the bracken to revitalise the heart.
The origins of the heart and flower became a major source of speculation for many years, with some people even claiming falsely to have created them. Ten years ago, on the couple's Golden Wedding anniversary, their son Billy decided it was time for the truth to come out and his dad's identity was revealed.
The couple first met when Neil was 17 and Mina 13. They marked their 60th diamond wedding anniversary this year.
Highland Hospice fundraiser Katie Gibb said: “This story is just so touching. The creation of ‘The Heart on the Hill’ is so romantic and it is incredibly warming to think of Neil walking around it to raise funds for Highland Hospice this summer.
"His creations to this day provide mystery, intrigue and delight to visitors and local residents alike, and I am certain the local communities will be right behind Neil on this challenge. Good luck and huge thanks, Neil!”
You can donate to Neil’s fundraising by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/walktheheart.
He will also have collecting cans in local shops such as Contin, Strathpeffer, Dingwall, Muir of Ord, Beauly, Maryburgh.
