Inverness Ness Factor finalist wears dress decorated by Culloden pupils at final in aid of Highland Hospice
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A Culloden headteacher wore a dress decorated by pupils from Duncan Forbes Primary at the final of this year's Ness Factor singing competition.
Wendy Mackay (44) said that over the past three-and-a-half years five of her pupils had lost their mothers to cancer and three had been supported by Ness factor organisers Highland Hospice.
Mrs Mackay said: “I really wanted to somehow have the children with me on the night that is who I was doing it for – not just the children that had lost their mums – I wanted them to see someone out of their comfort zone.”
She said a member of staff had suggested buying a dress for the final held at the Drumossie Hotel and letting the children decorate it with pictures and messages.
Those who had lost parents were given the first opportunity to add to the garment.
Mrs Mackay added: “I wanted them to know that I was supporting them and they were with me. I was crying at the end and I was trying to hold it together.”
She said she had so far raised around £2200 for the hospice and added: “My target was £1500 and I smashed that.”
