Leading conservationist support ‘to bring the beach experience to life’ for Nairn Beach Wheelchairs with binoculars donation
People looking to use a new service to make Nairn's beaches more accessible will be able to get even closer to nature thanks to a donation organised by one of Scotland's best-known conservationists.
Author and ecologist Sir John Lister-Kaye, who owns Aigas Field Centre in Inverness-shire, visited the Nairn Beach Wheelchair charity's stall at the town’s recent Countdown to Christmas fair.
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He was delighted to deliver a box of binoculars amid such an atmosphere of excitement and support for the project, seeing the generosity of the local community first-hand with £430 raised towards the project on the day.
Sir Lister-Kaye said: "These five pairs of new binoculars are made possible for Nairn Beach Wheelchairs by the kindness and generosity of ArranActive.
"They will enable children to see birds and seals and other wildlife clearly and well, bringing the beach experience to life.”
The beach wheelchairs initiative aims to open up beaches, with five chairs designed especially for use on sand purchased by the group after raising more than £30,000 over the last year.
Nairn Beach Wheelchairs will open for business on March 1, 2025.
Chairwoman of Nairn Beach Wheelchairs, Amelia Williamson, said: "We are delighted and very grateful to be gifted these brilliant binoculars which will add an extra element of exploration to our chairs and allow people to really get up close to nature.
"We are so looking forward to the launch this Spring and again thank the community who have helped make this happen, and Sir John for his interest and ArranActive for their generosity."
The charity recently sited a container base at Nairn Leisure Centre and is working alongside High Life Highland to offer bathroom and changing facilities for users when the service opens next year.
The chairs will be free to book out and those behind the volunteer-led service say high demand has already been expressed by people from across the Highlands who are keen to make the most of all Nairn's beaches have to offer.
