Belladrum festival goers this year can help raise vital cash for a new children’s department at the Highlands’ flagship hospital.
The “ARCHIE Marchie” fundraising challenge is being launched this week and involves a 7.5mile sponsored walk that will see participants traverse the banks of Loch Ness.
The walk aims to raise £50,000 towards the £2 million Highland Children’s Unit Appeal launched by the ARCHIE foundation for new children’s services at Raigmore Hospital.
Organisers of the sell out Belladrum festival near Beauly are confident that this target can be achieved as the family spirit of the festival puts children at its heart.
Walkers will start at the Clansman Hotel on the banks of Loch Ness and travel to Abriachan, finishing at the festival on Thursday, August 6.
The march ends to coincide with the start of the festival at 4pm, so those taking part will still be able to enjoy the full line up.
Joe Gibbs, owner of Belladrum Estate and promoter of the festival, is among a new team of prominent local business people helping to raise the final £300,000 needed for the appeal.
He said: “We have restricted places in the ARCHIE Marchie to only 200 as this reduces the impact on the area and ensures a safe and enjoyable day for all the participants.
“Belladrum has supported the ARCHIE Foundation for the last three years as Belladrum is a family fun festival with children at the heart of its being.
“The walk will be a great way to kick start the festival and I hope all 200 places will be snapped up.”
Laura Macintosh, head of fundraising at the ARCHIE Foundation for Highlands and Western Isles, said: “We’re really excited about this event. It should be a great way to kick-start the family fun festival and raise some money for the Highland Children’s Unit Appeal, which will support children from across the Highlands and Islands.”
Anyone wishing to take part in the fundraising walk must be a Belladrum ticket holder. Those signing up will be asked to raise a minimum of £200.
For information on how to sign up contact Laura at laura@archiefoundation.org.uk or on 01463 888258.