Big Spring Sing to return after two year absence to raise funds for the Haven Centre in Inverness
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A popular annual fundraising concert is returning to the stage in Inverness on Friday following a two year absence due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Big Spring Sing will be held at Smithton Church to raise money for the Haven Centre currently under construction in Inverness.
Due to be completed next year, it will be Scotland’s first multi-purpose centre for young people with learning disabilities and complex needs.
The concert, which starts at 7pm, will include performances from the Gaelic School Choir, Smithton Primary School Choir, the Rainbow Singers comprising adults with learning disabilities, and Singing For Pleasure which meets at Merkinch Community Centre.
The event will also include an update on the £4.1m Haven Centre project plus a film showing progress of the construction work which started last month.
Rona Matheson, community fundraiser for the appeal, said: "It is the return of the Big Spring Sing after two years and allows the young choirs who have had no opportunities to start performing again.
"It is wonderful to have their ongoing support for fundraising for the Haven Centre."
The project is led by the Elsie Normington Foundation.
It will comprise three two-bedroom respite flats for young adults up to the age of 30, an indoor specialist play centre with childcare facilities, a community café, meeting spaces and outdoor garden.
It is being built at a site in Murray Road, Smithton, previously occupied by Culloden Court Care Home which was destroyed by a blaze in 2010.
The project has received support from the Scottish Government, the Big Lottery Fund and Highland Council plus donations from the public but fundraising continues.
Tickets for the concert cost £10 and are available from Merkinch Community Centre, telephone (01463) 239563, and Smithton Church, telephone (01463) 793191.
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