Black Isle kiltmaker helps hundreds with free face mask initiative and provides boost to Rosemarkie group
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A BLACK Isle kiltmaker who turned her hand to making free face masks during the coronavirus pandemic has helped hundreds protect themselves and others and dealt a £400 boost to a local charity.
Skilled with a sewing needle, Irene Cathcart made more than 400 cloth masks using a YouTube instructional video, making them freely available in local post offices for anyone needing one.
And concerned about the number of people who were unprotected due to a shortage of personal protection equipment, she made up more than 200 fully sterilised surgical masks to a design of her own pattern and gave them to key workers and health care facilities.
Her big-hearted gesture was gratefully received on the Black Isle with many choosing to make a donation to her charity of choice, Rosemarfkie Amenities.
Ms Cathcart said, of True Kiltmakers, said she simply wanted to ensure anyone who needed one would be able to get one regardless of whether they could afford it or not.
She said: "I'd like to thank Caroline and Bob in Greentree gift shop and Post Office in Fortrose and Allan in Avoch Post Office for being kind enough to put them in their shops.
"I'd also like to thank all the amazing people of Rosemarkie, Fortrose and Avoch who, despite them being free of charge, donated £399.57. This money will be given to Rosemarkie Amenities, for us all to benefit from.
"I'm sorry I'm unable to make any more as I went back to work last week."
She also thanked Caroline for donated a stash of her own fabric for use in making the masks.
Ms Cathcart said she made the masks whilst at home in Rosemarkie in response to her concern during full lockdown about the number of people without PPE.
The surgical masks she sterilised them in the oven before packing them. and giving them to key workers.
There was a heartfelt response from locals, many commenting how well made and comfortable the reusable masks were.
One grateful recipient wrote: "When people ask ‘what did you do during the great pandemic?’ you’ll be able to hold your head high! Very well done."
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