Family turning city green in memory of dad

An Inverness family are keeping their father’s memory alive by planting trees around the city.

Stuart Fraser passed away last December aged just 58.

While he was receiving treatment at Maggie’s Highlands, his wife Lynda and children Conrad (32) and Samantha (30) noticed there was a lack of garden facilities at the centre where patients and relatives could spend time together.

The family vowed to change that, and have already planted seven trees at Maggie’s and nine at the Rollerbowl – a place which holds many special memories.

They are now placing dozens more around the city dedicated to Mr Fraser’s memory.

Mrs Fraser (57) said: "The idea came when Stuart was in Maggie’s Centre. There is not much of a garden for people to spend time to reflect in when their loved ones are going through treatment.

"I started speaking to some of the members of staff, who didn’t have the funds to build one.

"In total we’re going to be planting 58 trees in different locations.

"We planted seven trees at Maggie’s, and now we have planted nine at the Rollerbowl.

"That was special to my son Conrad as he has great memories of going up there to play with his dad.

"That particular planting was very personal to us."

Having initially started as a private project, the family were touched when Mr Fraser’s friends and work colleagues decided to get involved.

Mrs Fraser added: "Stuart’s work colleagues have come forward and donated some money to plant some trees of their own.

"It will be nice when it’s all finished. We want to have it done sooner rather than later.

"It’s not just about us as a family, it’s about friends and work colleagues as well.

"The heartwarming bit is going back to where the trees were planted and seeing them flourishing.

"We just think it’s nice that people have something to reflect on."

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