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Highland Heroes 2025: Fundraiser shortlist revealed – VOTE NOW!





VOTE for your fundraiser of the year by midnight on Monday, February 10!

Mairi Anne Cormack

Highland Heroes 2025 fundraiser nominee Mairi Anne Cormack.
Highland Heroes 2025 fundraiser nominee Mairi Anne Cormack.

What began as a tribute to a close friend has inspired a whole community to help raise funds for a local playpark.

When Mairi Anne Cormack lost her good friend, Julie McGee, suddenly in April 2021, she thought about making a memorial bench for her at Huna Pier.

But after a meeting at the local junior football club, it was agreed a community playpark in John o’Groats would be an even more fitting legacy.

Mairi Anne took the lead and came up with a host of fundraisers the whole community could join in; from regular swap shops where folk donate unwanted items which can be re-distributed across the community, raffles, quiz nights, pudding nights, and sponsored events including the Aberdeen Beast Race.

Over the past three years, the effort has raised a staggering £107,000!

Fundraising will continue until the target of £376,000 required to build the playpark is reached.

It is hoped the sum will be achieved this year with help from grants.

Mairi Anne is quick to praise the actions and support of volunteers and the generous residents and businesses across Caithness supporting the campaign.

“It’s not me on my own! We’ve been doing real community events and we’ve had support from the whole county and beyond. “

“People are doing it for Julie ‒ that’s our tagline ‒ but the ripples of it have been amazing.

She added: “I had no idea I’d been nominated so when I got the email there was definitely a tear in my eye!”

Gus Macdonald

Highland Heroes 2025 fundraiser nominee Gus Macdonald. Picture: James Mackenzie
Highland Heroes 2025 fundraiser nominee Gus Macdonald. Picture: James Mackenzie

Local businesses are often right at the heart of their communities but owner of Inverness Crazy Golf, Gus Macdonald really is above par!

Over the past two years, Gus has helped raise thousands of pounds for a host of local charities and local families.

A firm believer in giving back, Gus organised a 24-hour crazy golfathon last year in the hope of raising some extra pounds to donate to local charities.

The event was a huge success and raised over a staggering £17,000 which was distributed among 24 charities and organisations.

The success sparked another idea which has really taken flight! He started the butterfly initiative, a goodwill gesture to local families who can’t afford to pay for a game.

Other businesses have followed suit and also offer similar goodwill gestures.

Nominations praised Gus for his kindness: “Gus is one of the kindest and thoughtful small business owners I know. He's one of the most genuine and caring people you can come across in Inverness.”

Gus said: “When you see people are needing help, you have to do something. We do what we do locally, not for any kudos. As a local business we feel it’s vital to give back as much as possible, whenever we can.”

Shocked to be shortlisted, he added: “I was absolutely flabbergasted. It’s a real honour.”

Steve Hicks

Highland Heroes 2025 fundraiser nominee Steve Hicks (left) with Sandra Campbell and Ian Sinclair.
Highland Heroes 2025 fundraiser nominee Steve Hicks (left) with Sandra Campbell and Ian Sinclair.

Thurso dance instructor, Steve Hicks, just couldn’t keep his feet from tapping when he attended a Barracuda Boogie Band concert at the Park Hotel so he decided to do something about it!

He spoke to band member, Ian Sinclair, asking ‘Can we do something?’ to which Ian responded ‘let’s do some charity fundraising!’ After a quick chat with Sandra Campbell, manager of the Park Hotel, the Live Jive events at the Park Hotel were born.

That was 10 years ago, and since then Steve (pictured left with Sandra and Ian), who runs dance classes in Thurso, Evanton and Kirkwall, has organised Live Jive events together Sandra, Ian and the Barracuda Boogie Band, who with a multitude of local musicians and bands, celebrate fabulous music and dancing all to raise money for local charities.

Despite the Covid pandemic interrupting its success, the events over the past 10 years have raised over £28,000 for local causes and organisations.

A nomination said: “Thanks to Steve’s enthusiasm and the support of Ian Sinclair, the Barracuda Boogie Band, musician friends and the Park Hotel, these events have become a highlight in the calendar with dancers coming from all over the Highlands, and islands too!

“Steve’s commitment to dance, fundraising, and community spirit makes him a true hero.”

Steve stressed the Live Jive events were only made possible by the combined efforts of Ian Sinclair and the Barracuda Boogie Band, his many musician friends and all nicely gelled together by Sandra Campbell at the Park Hotel.

“It’s not just me. It wouldn’t have happened without Ian and Sandra."

Haventus is sponsoring the award for fundraiser of the year.

Chief corporate affairs officer at Haventus, Jonathan Milne, said: “Haventus is pleased to support Highland Heroes which celebrates the spirit, energy and creativity of the extraordinary people of our region.

“Fundraising is challenging at the best of times, but especially so at a time when the cost of living is putting pressure on household and business budgets. It takes ingenuity, determination and huge energy to raise funds for vital causes in the current environment, and we’re proud to sponsor the fundraiser of the year award which will recognise the exceptional individuals who are rising to the challenge day in and day out.”


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