PICTURES: Isla and Luna step out to raise £400 for Munlochy Animal Aid shelter on the Black Isle
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An eight-year-old girl from Inverness has raised £400 for Munlochy Animal Aid by putting her best foot forward on an epic trek.
Joined by her faithful lurcher Luna, Isla MacDonald walked 52 miles in aid of the charity.
Three years ago Isla, a P4 pupil at Balloch Primary, and mum Jane rescued Luna, who had been abandoned near Ardersier and taken in by Munlochy Animal Aid.
“I’d like to give a massive thank you to all who supported me to do this,” Isla said.
“My last walk was a beautiful walk around Nairnside estate.
“There was lots of lovely scenery and a few wildlife pals came to say ‘hi’ too.”
She continued: “Luna was found, abandoned in the woods near Inverness Airport, underweight, cold and scared, she was under a year old when she was abandoned. After being found by passing walkers she was taken in and cared for by Munlochy Animal Aid.
“My mum and dad saw an online post by The Inverness Courier about Luna‘s story and that she needed a loving new home and the rest is history.”
Mrs MacDonald said: “Isla wanted to do something that would raise money for Munlochy as not only did we rescue Luna from there, but my mum Celia, who passed away before Isla was born, was a supporter of the charity.
“Luna really is the best dog you can imagine. She was found abandoned in Ardersier woods three years ago.
“She is a black lurcher. She is a lovely dog, an angel to us.”
She continued: “We have a family history with Munlochy, and before me, my mum and dad – Celia and Bob Billington – worked with the centre and helped with the dogs.
“I think because of that Isla wanted to do something when she heard that the lockdown might have had an impact on the charity finances.
“Isla never met my mum, but she wanted to do something to remember her, because it is a special place for us as a family.”
To raise the cash, Isla walked every day after school, and Luna joined her for all the walks she did around the area.
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