Callum Beattie calls on Outlander stars for Mikeysline Highland video reveal at Belladrum
WHEN Scottish music superstar Callum Beattie surprised Belladrum fans to an exclusive premiere of his new music video, it was for a cause close to his heart.
He had earlier been handed a specially designed kilt in Mikeysline tartan by felloe charity ambassador Siobhan Mackenzie who hails from the Black Isle.
Performing on the Hot House Stage, Callum gave fans a big surprise when actors Sam Heughan and Richard Rankin from hit Scottish drama series, Outlander, made an appearance in the video.
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Siobhan Mackenzie hands over kilt to fellow Mikeysline ambassador Callum Beattie at Belladrum
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Callum shared: "As men, we’re expected to be strong, showing no weakness and bottling up our feelings from others. In spite of this, I've always tried to be open about my mental health – even when it's incredibly difficult to talk about, I always try to wear my heart on my sleeve in the hope that others will know that it’s ok not to be ok.
“Something in my Eye is about sharing that message and I'm incredibly proud to be able to do my bit to support the work of mental health charity, Mikeysline, by donating a share of the proceeds from this single to the organisation, helping them to continue their support across the Highlands, Islands and Moray.
“Featuring the incredible Sam Heughan and Richard Rankin – who I am now honoured to call my friends – I feel very fortunate to have a career that allows me to use the power of music to enhance our human connections and share messages of support. My sincere hope is that this song will help even a tiny number of people to open up and talk.”
The Highland mental health and suicide prevention charity appointed Callum, alongside manager Dave Rogers, as an ambassador in March this year. As part of their support, the duo have generously offered to donate a percentage of the profits made from sales of Something in my Eye, to the charity’s continued work, which supports both adults and young people through their 1:1 face to face and online support from their Hives, in schools, communities and with businesses, in addition to their text-based support first launched in 2015.
All of the support provided by Mikeysline is on a confidential, non-jugemental basis for people of all ages and genders who need support for their mental health, are in emotional distress or have thoughts of self-harm and/or suicide.
“When I was asked to be an ambassador for Mikeysline, I was absolutely delighted to accept”, said Callum. “What keeps me going is the ability to talk to those around me about my feelings, and at Mikeysline, that is the goal – to encourage more men, women and young people throughout the Highlands, to speak up and share when they are feeling lost, alone and in emotional distress.
“Showing vulnerability is not a weakness. In fact, when we open up and talk about our emotions, we can take those vulnerabilities and turn them into a superpower. Love, compassion, and openness are the keys to my journey, and my hope is that I can help others on their journeys too – I want to help as many people as I can to achieve this.”
Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline, said: “The video for Something in my Eye is absolutely fantastic and we, as an organisation, couldn’t be more grateful to Callum, Dave, and all the band for what they have done with this, as well as Sam and Richard for giving their time and getting involved to make this video which is so fitting for the wonderful song.
“I was truly moved by the video and the message it shares, Callum and Dave’s support for our ‘Bee the Change’ campaign - which is aimed at changing the dialogue about mental health and breaking down the stigma is so important to us and to Mikeysline’s work as a whole. From a small grassroots charity in the Highlands to the organisation we are today – with volunteers, ambassadors and partners from across the region and beyond – it feels almost surreal knowing that people from all over the world will be listening to and watching this video and hopefully hearing the key message that ‘its ok not to be ok and the importance of reaching out for support when needed. That means so much to all of us at Mikeysline.”
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 popular 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, Balintore, Portmahomack, Thurso and shortly also in Elgin. Service users can engage in one-to-one support, or at some venues join in group sessions for adults, men, families and young people.
For more information, visit www.mikeysline.co.uk – or find Mikeysline on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok
