Suicide support group set up by a Black Isle couple has been a “bittersweet” success

An Inverness suicide support group plans to expand to meet demand.

Patrick Mullery, who runs the group which meets in Inverness, lost his father-of-three son James to suicide at the age of 28.

Mr Mullery, from Cromarty, said: “2019 has seen a steady growth in our membership which is now at 200. This is bittersweet because our group is growing – but that means there are more people affected by suicide.”

In 2020, he hopes to extend coverage of James’ Support Group meetings to Tain, Dingwall and Aviemore with a breakfast club event, aimed at helping men to talk more, to be held at Ross County FC.

A Games, Giggle and Craic evening in Cromarty drew a full house and plans are afoot for a second one.

Mr Mullery added: “Ross County FC fans may well have noticed our stand at the car park entrance on many home matches. We will be at most home games to the end of March which sees the end of the peak period for suicides.”

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