Eilean Dubh: the home with HeArt

Eilean Dubh Care Home is celebrating after winning its very own Highland HeArt sculpture at a fundraising auction in aid of Highland Hospice.

The auction win marked the culmination of a year-long campaign, which began last October when the Black Isle care home applied to join Highland Hospice’s HeArt Trail and design one of 23 sculptures celebrating the region.

Since then, wellbeing coordinator Fiona Stoddart has led the initiative with the support of artist Liz Peck and her husband Andy, residents, staff, families and the wider community.

Eilean Dubh’s HeArt features local landmarks on one side and a unique Colours of Care tartan on the other, a pattern inspired by the colours of staff uniforms.

Over the past year, the home has staged a series of creative fundraising events – from a fashion show to a daffodil tea, as well as a walking, cycling and swimming challenge. With additional support from the wider Parklands Care Homes group, Eilean Dubh has raised almost £4,000 for Highland Hospice.

The fundraising effort culminated in a nail-biting auction in the grounds of Eden Court Theatre, where – for a moment – Fiona really did wear her HeArt on her sleeve! But in the end, the winning bid was secured and Eilean Dubh’s HeArt is now coming home.

Fiona said: “From the very beginning, our residents and staff were involved in shaping the design of the HeArt, working closely with Liz and Andy Peck. They’ve been with us every step of the way and their passion and creativity have made such a difference. We’ve run lots of different events and had a lot of fun along the way. To know that we’ve raised nearly £4,000 for Highland Hospice – and that our HeArt is coming back to Eilean Dubh – is something we can all be very proud of.”

Eilean Dubh also successfully bid for a second HeArt, designed by Niamh Cuthbert, which the home plans to gift to the local library for the whole community to enjoy.