FOUR charities benefited from the inaugural Highland Hearts of Gold event, which was held in Inverness.

The event, at the Drumossie Hotel, raised £78,657 and this will go towards Highland Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and Maggie’s.

Organiser Alison McRitchie came up with the idea for the event following the success of North’s Most Stylish, which has raised £129,500 for the Highland Hospice over four years.

She said: “I decided it was about time someone got all of the four charities to work together on one huge event because let’s face it, they are all here for the same reason, just in different ways.”

Guests were invited to place a heart on a tree in the foyer in remembrance of someone who was dear to them and they also wrote messages for those affected by terminal illness.

There was a fundraising raffle with prizes including a mobile phone, a hair and beauty care hamper and a spa day.

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In addition there was a silent auction, as well as a live auction, which was conducted by Daniel Urquhart, from Dingwall Auction Mart.

The night also featured two catwalk fashion shows.

It was hosted by STV reporter Nicola McAlley and the guest speaker was Steve Bland, of You, Me, and the Big C.

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