Home   News   Article

Nessie installation sees milestone reached in children’s ward work at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness


By Andrew Dixon

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Archie Foundation Highland Nessie at Children's Unit Raigmore Hospital Inverness PIC TREVOR MARTIN
Archie Foundation Highland Nessie at Children's Unit Raigmore Hospital Inverness PIC TREVOR MARTIN

Transformational work to convert outside spaces at Raigmore Hospital has reached a significant stage with the completion of its 30ft Nessie centrepiece.

Visitors to the Highland Children’s Unit will now be greeted by the topiary sculpture outside the entrance, thanks to a generous donation from Cruise Loch Ness.

The Archie Foundation has been carrying out its Fresh Air Project to make the gardens of the hospital more welcoming, after £139,000 was raised by its supporters.

The topiary Nessie outside the Highland Children’s Unit.
The topiary Nessie outside the Highland Children’s Unit.

The impressive Nessie sculpture at the entrance to the unit was made possible thanks to a sponsorship from the Fort Augustus-based family business, which runs boat trips on Loch Ness.

Cruise Loch Ness director Debi Mackenzie said: “We are excited to be supporting the Fresh Air Project and hope that the 30ft Nessie sculpture centrepiece we are sponsoring will bring some joy to young patients lives at a time that must be very difficult for them.

“Our business brings people out into the fresh air of Loch Ness, so what better fit for us than to support this initiative.

“We’d like to congratulate the whole team at the Archie Foundation on their hard work to make this happen and look forward to seeing patients at the Highland Children’s Unit enjoy the garden for years to come.”

Mary Nimmo, chairwoman of the Archie Highland fundraising board, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Ronald and Debi from Cruise Loch Ness on this vital project.

“They have been incredibly generous with their time and resources while running a very successful business. They have risen to the challenge time and time again.

“On behalf of the Archie Foundation and all of the sick children and their loved ones, we express our most sincere thank you to Ronald and Debi. We have been truly humbled by their generosity.”

The outdoor space, which will be sheltered by sail-style canopies, will include a sensory garden with wildflower areas, as well as a variety of topiary animals.

Work continues on the remaining aspects and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

Related articles:


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More