A world famous chef has helped blow out the candles on a birthday cake to celebrate the 10th anniversary of a cancer support centre in Inverness.
Maggie’s Highland Centre, in the grounds of the city’s Raigmore Hospital, was opened in June 2005.
The £1.1million building was designed by leading Scottish architect David Page, while the gardens were created by internationally-acclaimed architect and artist Charles Jencks.
It was later named Scotland’s top building by The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) and has played a vital role in the treatment of hundreds of cancer patients from the Highlands.
Yesterday Albert Roux joined patients and volunteers to mark the significant milestone.
He has also been involved in devising a special fundraising dinner, which will take place on a boat on Loch Ness.
Andrew Benjamin, fundraising manager at Maggie’s Highlands, said: “Everybody who has visited Maggie’s over that decade has been able to access our programme of support, whether that means the social support of having a cup of tea at the kitchen table, getting practical support such as benefits advice or seeking the emotional support of relaxation workshops or group sessions such as our ‘friends and family’ group.”
Mr Roux has devised the main course and starters for the four-course meal on June 12, while dessert will be created by award-winning pastry chefs and chocolatiers Will Torrent and Alistair Birt.
The evening starts with a champagne reception on the banks of the loch before dinner is served aboard the Jacobite Warrior. After dinner guests will take a cruise and enjoy on board entertainment.
The menu is being kept a secret until the dinner but each course is being designed to make the most of the Highlands’ local produce.
Yesterday Mr Roux said: “I am a strong believer in giving back to the community. This organisation is fantastic and I am delighted I can help in a small way.
“Food is life. I remember as a child when my mother made some wonderful broth to keep me well and when people are sad or ill, the main meal is important to keep them joyful and to revive them.
“Loch Ness is a fantastic spot and is known all over the world, and it is right to have the dinner on the water on the boat. I also hope to see the Loch Ness monster as I have been looking for him for years.”
Tickets for the boat ride are available for £250 per person and include the champagne reception, four-course dinner and wine during the evening as well as a question and answer session with the chefs.
To book tickets contact Andrew Benjamin on 07876 884699 or email Andrew.Benjamin@maggiescentres.org