Glen Urquhart Shinty Club are putting down their camans this weekend and picking up their “teammate” to highlight the physical toll of mental health.

This Sunday (29^th), relay teams will ‘Share the Load’ in a fundraising walk from Inverness to Drumndrochit. Players will transport a stretcher carrying a rescue dummy, in place of a real person, along the 18-mile route to represent sharing the weight of a friend in need of support. The duration is anticipated to take between 7-8 hours.

Partnering with Mikeysline, club members and volunteers will set off from Bught Park at 08:00am, making their way towards the Great Glen Way to their home ground of Blairbeg Park, in a visual display of unity for sharing the strain a friend, family member or colleague may feel while struggling with their mental health.

Sponsorship from the challenge will be split between the club and Mikeysline to further invest in the lifeline services they provide to all ages and genders throughout the Highlands, Islands and Moray.

Mikeysline CEO, Emily Stokes, said: “Glen Urquhart Shinty Club have always been huge champions of Mikeysline and we are honoured they have chosen to support us in this creative fundraising event. The physical toll of mental health and suicidal thoughts is a heavy weight for any person to carry, and this symbolic challenge is an innovative way to showcase that and demonstrate how we can all play our role in helping those around us. It also important for those who are struggling to know that it’s ok not to be”

Camanachd Association CEO, Ruari Davison, said: “The ‘Share the Load’ fundraiser is a powerful reminder of what makes the shinty community so special — people coming together to support one another. Glenurquhart Shinty Club and its volunteers deserve huge congratulations for organising this event, which will raise vital funds and awareness of the great work that Mikeysline provide for people in Highland and rural communities. By literally sharing the load, participants are sending a strong message: no one should carry their burdens alone.”

H.I.S Director, supporter of GUSC and Mikeysline, Garry MacIntosh will be taking part. He said: “The strength of the shinty community lies in how we look after each other, both on and off the pitch, and by showing our support we hope to encourage others to open-up and keep talking about mental health. Both the club and the charity are two causes close to my heart, and I’m delighted to be part of this fundraising challenge which will raise further awareness on the lifeline services provided by Mikeysline.”

Anyone who wishes to donate can do so via the club’s Go Fund Me page: www.gofundme.com/f/glen-urquhart-shinty-club-mikeys-line

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Pictured: Glen Urquhart Shinty Club

From the Bught, the team will follow the pavements to link up with the Great Glen Way, which is the main route they’ll follow for the walk to Blairbeg.

Mikeysline operates 365 days a year, accessible through their text line at 07786207755; WhatsApp at 01463 729000, messenger and via its website and live chat. They offer face-to-face support in Hives across the region – at their Inverness headquarters, and in their Alness, Nairn, Tain & District, Thurso and Elgin hubs. Here, people can engage in one-to-one support, or at some venues join in group sessions for adults, men, families and young people.

The Mikeysline mobile app: Along with their latest news, events and ways to get involved, the app makes it even easier for those in need of help to reach out for support.

Links to download our App:

Android:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thecafeapp.mikeysline&pcampaignid=web_share

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/mikeysline/id6736364818

The charity also produces a popular podcast, Speaking of Suicide; provides support for businesses; works closely with teachers and pupils in schools across the North of Scotland.

For more information, visit www.mikeysline.co.uk or find Mikeysline on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok

A team of cyclists from Statkraft has raised funds for Mikeysline by taking on the 66-mile Etape Loch Ness, supporting the Highland mental health charity that provides a vital lifeline to people in crisis. 

The six-strong team included Iain Robertson, Head of Statkraft Scotland, who joined the ride to support a cause close to his heart. After meeting the team at Mikeysline, he said: “It was a privilege to meet the Mikeysline team and hear first-hand about the work they do. You can see how much they care, and how determined they are to support people in their most difficult moments. 

“Mental health challenges affect so many of us – directly or through people we care about – and services like Mikeysline are absolutely vital. They provide a safe space and real support when it’s needed most. I’m proud our team could play a small part in helping them in that work.” 

Iain was joined by Scott Gilbert, Project Director for Statkraft’s Loch na Cathrach pumped hydro project, and John Young, Public Affairs Manager for Statkraft, to hand over the cheque on behalf of the group. 

Scott, who lives locally with his wife and has fundraised for Mikeysline in the past, added: “It’s impossible to live here and not know about the amazing work Mikeysline do day in, day out. Their staff and volunteers are incredibly committed and make a real difference to people’s lives across the region and in our schools. 

“Our team of Statkraft cyclists were proud to take on the Etape and raise funds for a charity that so many people in the Highlands turn to when they need help the most.” 

Together, the team raised £2,718 which was match funded by Statkraft, doubling the donation to support Mikeysline’s vital work to £5436. 

With several major renewable energy projects underway across the Highlands, including Loch na Cathrach, Statkraft is committed to supporting the communities it works in and upholding its good neighbour ethos. 

Allana Stables, Bee the Change Manager from Mikeysline said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Statkraft team for their support. Fundraising like this helps us continue to be that vital lifeline across our local communities. Every single donation really does make a difference and the fact that people are willing to get involved, raise awareness, and show up for others really does means the world to our grassroots charity.” 

Note on participants 
The Statkraft UK cycling team who took part in the 2025 Etape Loch Ness included: Haydar Gokmen, Tim MacKellar, Iain Robertson, Harry Venables, Andrew Monin, and Simon Godfrey. 

About Statkraft  

Statkraft is Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, with 130 years of experience in delivering clean energy. In the UK, Statkraft develops, owns, and operates renewable energy projects and supports the green energy transition by investing in local communities, infrastructure, and skills – helping deliver Scotland’s target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2045.  

From developments that include the Loch na Cathrach pumped storage hydro project near Loch Ness, Statkraft is delivering renewable infrastructure that creates skilled jobs, supports communities, and drives long-term economic impact across the Highlands and Islands. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Pictures: Mikeysline Cup Winners (LR), ‘The Captains’ Rosemary Muschamp (RD Lady Captain), David Muschamp, Gary Bethune (RD Captain), Debbie Bethune.

Mikeysline operates 365 days a year, accessible through their text line at 07786207755; WhatsApp at 01463 729000, messenger and via its website and live chat. They offer face-to-face support in Hives across the region – at their Inverness headquarters, and in their Alness, Nairn, Tain & District, Thurso and Elgin hubs. Here, people can engage in one-to-one support, or at some venues join in group sessions for adults, men, families and young people.

The Mikeysline mobile app: Along with their latest news, events and ways to get involved, the app makes it even easier for those in need of help to reach out for support.

Links to download our App:

Android:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thecafeapp.mikeysline&pcampaignid=web_share

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/mikeysline/id6736364818

The charity also produces a popular podcast, Speaking of Suicide; provides support for businesses; works closely with teachers and pupils in schools across the North of Scotland.

For more information, visit www.mikeysline.co.uk or find Mikeysline on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Mikeysline has putted an extra £41,000 into its local mental health provision.

Their annual golf day, kindly hosted by the Royal Dornoch Golf Club and Kingsmills Hotel, topped the 2024 total by £7000.

Won by The Captains from Dornoch Golf Club, golfers enjoyed a day on the championship course followed by a 3-course meal, silent auction and entertainment back in Inverness.

Mikeysline CEO, Emily Stokes, said: “It was a joy to return to the Royal Dornoch, the home of our first ever Golf Day, and be back at the Kingsmills Hotel, who are such great supporters of ours.

“The weather was very much on our side, and as a charity which receives no statutory funding, this phenomenal amount will make a massive difference to our mental health and suicide prevention services throughout the Highlands, Islands and Moray.

“A huge congratulations to our winners of the Mikeysline Cup, The Captains and to our second and third placed runners up, RJ Macleod and Accord. A special mention for Glen Tonkin of Toncam Flooring & Interiors, who narrowly missed out on a £30,000 ‘hole in one’ sponsored by Partners &.”

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Pictures: Mikeysline Cup Winners (LR), ‘The Captains’ Rosemary Muschamp (RD Lady Captain), David Muschamp, Gary Bethune (RD Captain), Debbie Bethune.

Mikeysline operates 365 days a year, accessible through their text line at 07786207755; WhatsApp at 01463 729000, messenger and via its website and live chat. They offer face-to-face support in Hives across the region – at their Inverness headquarters, and in their Alness, Nairn, Tain & District, Thurso and Elgin hubs. Here, people can engage in one-to-one support, or at some venues join in group sessions for adults, men, families and young people.

The Mikeysline mobile app: Along with their latest news, events and ways to get involved, the app makes it even easier for those in need of help to reach out for support.

Links to download our App:

Android:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thecafeapp.mikeysline&pcampaignid=web_share

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/mikeysline/id6736364818

The charity also produces a popular podcast, Speaking of Suicide; provides support for businesses; works closely with teachers and pupils in schools across the North of Scotland.

For more information, visit www.mikeysline.co.uk or find Mikeysline on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

A new tribute bench in collaboration with Mikeysline has been unveiled in Inverness, giving passersby the chance to rest physically and mentally.

Positioned in the Victorian Market, Adam’s Bench is a tribute to Caithness man, Adam Higgins, a talented pool player living in the Highland Capital, who lost his life last summer.

Mikeysline community volunteer, Bobby Sahota, came up with the idea in remembrance of his friend whom he met as part of the Gavin Phillips Highland Pool Tour. He hopes those passing by will take comfort from it.

Bob said “Adam was just so nice and welcoming when I first moved to the area – he lived and breathed pool and was so well liked, so well loved. No-one teaches you how you’re supposed to process grief, so I immediately wanted to do something to symbolise him and have somewhere where all the people who knew him can come and connect with him. I thought if I can get input from some of those closest to him and make it meaningful for everyone it would mean that little bit more.”

“It’s a place for people to take a moment and just be. I’d like to say a huge thank you to Iain at Chainsaw Creations for making such a beautiful bench, Dale Royle and Tony of Tarradale Home Improvements for collecting and assembling the bench. To Cameron Macfarlane of The Victorian Market for providing the perfect space to place the bench, and to Mikeysline for being part of this collaboration.”

The intricate design boasts symbols reflective of Adam’s life, loves and family, adorned with daisies, otters, billiard balls and a bee in support of Mikeysline.

Bob’s employer, London-based strategy firm Highgate, have also chosen Mikeysline as their nominated charity this year, bringing a boost to the fundraising needed to provide their lifeline services throughout the Highlands, Islands and Moray.

Mikeysline CEO, Emily Stokes, said: “Adam’s bench is a wonderful legacy to a man who was clearly cherished by so many, and we are incredibly grateful to our volunteer, Bob, for including Mikeysline in this meaningful gift to the community. We hope it will encourage residents and visitors to use it as a place to stop and reflect should they need to.

“We’d also like to say a huge thank you to Highgate for choosing to support Mikeysline throughout 2025. As a grassroots charity, fundraising is vital to our local provision and this generosity will ensure we can reach even more of those in emotional distress and/or experiencing thoughts of suicide.”

Mikeysline provides support for anyone suffering mental health difficulties or suicidal thoughts via its text service on 07786 20 77 55 from Sunday to Thursday, 6-10pm and Friday-Saturday 7pm-7am, and can also be contacted via Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Webchat, as well as in person at their Hives across the regions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Pictured: Bob Sahota pictured with Adam’s Bench in the Victorian Market

Mikeysline operates 365 days a year, accessible through their text line at 07786207755; WhatsApp at 01463 729000, messenger and via its website and live chat. They offer face-to-face support in Hives across the region – at their Inverness headquarters, and in their Alness, Nairn, Tain & District, Thurso and Elgin hubs. Here, people can engage in one-to-one support, or at some venues join in group sessions for adults, men, families and young people.

The Mikeysline mobile app: Along with their latest news, events and ways to get involved, the app makes it even easier for those in need of help to reach out for support.

Links to download our App:

Android:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thecafeapp.mikeysline&pcampaignid=web_share

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/mikeysline/id6736364818

The charity also produces a popular podcast, Speaking of Suicide; provides support for businesses; works closely with teachers and pupils in schools across the North of Scotland.

For more information, visit www.mikeysline.co.uk or find Mikeysline on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok

Mikeysline is looking for your memories to commemorate a decade of service to our local communities.

The local mental health charity has got its tenth anniversary year off to a flying start having picked up silver in the Impact in the Community category at the Mental Health & Wellbeing Awards in Edinburgh earlier this year, and more recently, being named a winner at the Highland Hero Awards.

The team collected the accolade for Emergency Services and Crisis Hero at the annual ceremony hosted by the Drumossie Hotel.

Voted for by the public, it recognised the outstanding contributions their staff and volunteers have made to those in need of crucial support.

Speaking at the time, Mikeysline CEO, Emily Stokes, said: “It’s an honour to take such an important award back to the Hive, especially in such a tough category alongside the RNLI and NHS Highland Tissue and Organ Donation Team whose lifeline services are so important.

This award is for our incredible volunteers and staff members, whose patience, compassion and empathy are a great support to those who access our lifeline services in their darkest moments. They are the backbone of Mikeysline, and this is an incredible testament to the important work they do.”

The charity was set up in 2015 following the tragic deaths of two good friends within 48-hours. It provides text-based, face-to-face and callback support, as well as outreach services throughout the Highlands, Islands and Moray to all ages and genders 365-days a year.

As it prepares for its important milestone, the team are keen to hear from anyone who took part in the launch a decade ago.

On a cold December night, hundreds of people illuminated Inverness’s High Street united in their support for more accessible suicide prevention and mental health provision in the Highlands. Mikeysline created the first ever text helpline in the UK and revolutionised accessibility to mental health and crisis support.

Emily says: “The image from that night is a powerful one: people lining the streets united by their desire to highlight the need for change. It showed the strength of community spirit and just how much of an impact the loss of both Martin and Michael had on the people of Inverness and beyond and their support for the idea of Mikeysline to help make that change happen.

We would really love to hear from anyone who was in attendance that night, to have them share their memories of that evening and what it meant to them. What were your hopes for Mikeysline at the time and how do you see it now.”

If you were there and would like to share your memories, please email: enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Mikeysline operates 365 days a year, accessible through their text line at 07786207755; WhatsApp at 01463 729000, messenger and via its website and live chat. They offer face-to-face support in Hives across the region – at their Inverness headquarters, and in their Alness, Nairn, Tain & District, Thurso and Elgin hubs. Here, people can engage in one-to-one support, or at some venues join in group sessions for adults, men, families and young people.

The Mikeysline mobile app: Along with their latest news, events and ways to get involved, the app makes it even easier for those in need of help to reach out for support.

Links to download our App:

Android:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thecafeapp.mikeysline&pcampaignid=web_share

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/mikeysline/id6736364818

The charity also produces a popular podcast, Speaking of Suicide; provides support for businesses; works closely with teachers and pupils in schools across the North of Scotland.

For more information, visit www.mikeysline.co.uk or find Mikeysline on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Murals for Mikeysline

It’s hoped a new city centre based mental health mural will encourage more people to open up about their struggles.

Inspired by the music of Scots singer and Mikeysline ambassador Callum Beattie, the fan-funded piece of artwork will take pride of place within the Inverness Victorian Market.

The creation is the brainchild of Callum Beattie fan, Ruthie Cumming, who after a trip to the Highland Capital on holiday from Eaglesham, was inspired by the current Mikeysline nature mural situated inside the shopping centre.

Mikeysline was established in 2015 following the tragic deaths of good friends Martin Shaw and Michael Williamson in a 48-hour period. The local mental health charity, currently in its tenth anniversary year, provides 365-day a year support to those struggling with their mental health and/or suicidal thoughts throughout the Highlands, Islands and Moray via number of outreach services including 1:1 peer-support, textline and webchat, as well as some group support options.

Ruthie said: “The sight of the Mikeysline nature inspired mural in the Victorian Market served as a powerful reminder to me of the connection between nature, art, and mental well-being. Seeing it brought a so much joy to my holiday.

As a Callum Beattie fan, I know that  both he and his manager Dave are passionate advocates for breaking the stigma around mental health as well as patrons of the charity.”

After hearing Callum’s deeply emotive single ‘Something in My Eye’ – a song about mental health – it gave Ruthie the idea of funding another mural to embody the message that it’s ok not to be ok.

“I presented the idea to the fan page and it gained momentum, so I spearheaded the campaign, with supporters donating and spreading the word. 

The hope is that the mural will be a symbol of community, of music’s ability to heal, and of the importance of speaking up about mental health.”

Mikeysline CEO, Emily Stokes, said: “These projects are life changing to so many and really help signpost our services in a creative and colourful way. Prominent visual pieces of art like this will help us to challenge the stigma and change the dialogue around mental health. We are so grateful to Ruthie and all the wonderful Callum Beattie fans who so generously donated towards this amazing artwork, Marc from Fresh Paint who has brought this incredible idea to life, and the Victorian Market for their support in this partnership.” 

It’s the latest addition to the Murals for Mikeysline initiative as part of the charity’s Bee the Change campaign – a strategy designed to encourage communities, businesses and schools throughout the regions to join forces and advocate for better mental wellbeing.

Bee the Change Manager Allana Stables said: “As we’ve learned from Ruthie, powerful artwork can have a real positive impact on someone’s day. A recent study has shown the links between beautiful art and dopamine release, the hormone that transmits signals of joy to the brain.”

“We’re really keen to have more artwork like this commissioned all over the Highlands, Island and Moray, so if your workplace or organisation would like more information on funding a piece in partnership with Mikeysline, please email beethechange@mikeysline.co.uk.”

Callum Beattie’s manager and fellow Mikeysline ambassador, Dave Rogers, added: “Both Callum and I are overwhelmed not just by the generosity of Ruthie and the fan base for making this happen, but by the mural itself which has so brilliantly encapsulated the positive power of music, art and nature.”

“As passionate mental health advocates with strong links to the Highlands, we are so proud to be affiliated with Mikeysline and champion the narrative that it’s ok not to be ok. We can’t wait to be back up in Inverness to see the mural in person.”

Victorian Market Manger, Cameron MacFarlane said: “We are so proud of our ongoing relationship with Mikeysline and the mural takes us to a new level of understanding the importance of what the charity are doing in support of ITS OK TO BE OK. Countless members of the public have said how they loved the original mural and what it represents about the people of Inverness, we were honoured to be asked to have another in the Victorian Market.”

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Pictured: The mural within the Victorian Market, Dave Rogers (L) & Callum Beattie (R) in the Siobhan Mackenzie designed Mikeysline tartan scarves, Callum with Mikeysline Bee the Change Manager, Allana Stables, at the Victorian Market

Mikeysline operates 365 days a year, accessible through their text line at 07786207755; WhatsApp at 01463 729000, messenger and via its website and live chat. They offer face-to-face support in Hives across the region – at their Inverness headquarters, and in their Alness, Nairn, Tain & District, Thurso and Elgin hubs. Here, people can engage in one-to-one support, or at some venues join in group sessions for adults, men, families and young people.

The Mikeysline mobile app: Along with their latest news, events and ways to get involved, the app makes it even easier for those in need of help to reach out for support.

Links to download our App:

Android:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thecafeapp.mikeysline&pcampaignid=web_share

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/mikeysline/id6736364818

The charity also produces a popular podcast, Speaking of Suicide; provides support for businesses; works closely with teachers and pupils in schools across the North of Scotland.

For more information, visit www.mikeysline.co.uk or find Mikeysline on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok