Strongmen brothers, Luke and Tom Stoltman create special cocktail with Highland Mixology 

A specially-designed cocktail created by strongmen champions the Stoltman brothers, and a mobile cocktail company, has raised £1000 for Mikeysline.

Luke and Tom Stoltman, of Invergordon, took part in a cocktail masterclass with Inverness company, Highland Mixology, to raise money for Mikeysline.

Luke Stoltman, who is five-times Scotland’s Strongest Man champion and a gym owner, is an Ambassador for Mikeysline.

Lia-Mai Cooper, of Highland Mixology, said the company wanted to help raise awareness of mental health especially given the current situation with coronavirus lockdown restrictions, as loneliness and anxiety could have a huge impact on people’s mental well-being.

“It’s something Luke Stoltman talks a lot about, as both an ambassador for Mikeysline and gym owner, knowing the positive impact the gym can have on your mental health,” she said.

“We’re good friends with Luke and Tom Stoltman and have supported Mikeysline in the past with barbecue and cocktail nights at the Stoltman Strength Centre, as part of various fundraising activities.”

The company, which creates a cocktail of the week, came up with the idea of putting the brothers through one of its masterclasses to create a cocktail which it could sell with a percentage of proceeds going to Mikeysline. With the help of award-winning mixologist Mariusz Plucinsk, they created Mango Marge, featuring a honey, lime and mango juice yellow base with tequila and cointreau added to give it a kick.

It was garnished with a slice of lemon and red chilli.

Miss Cooper said: “Highland Mixology, like many other hospitality companies, had to diversify during the pandemic and our Highland Mixology at Home cocktails have been a huge hit with our customers since we launched our home delivery service back in June 2020.

“Customers can enjoy bar quality cocktails in the comfort and safety of their own home – and they’re great for those quiz nights on Zoom with friends and family.

We had a great response to our cocktail of the week, with thousands of likes on social media and a large volume of orders for our cocktails.

“We raised several hundred pounds initially then following a successful Christmas market hosted by the directors of Highland Mixology, we decided to match the donations and round it up to £1000 as the charity is close to our hearts and does an amazing job in our local communities.”

5 years on, Spud the Piper returns

Spud the Piper who was present at the launch of Mikeysline when hundreds took part in a virtual candlelit vigil, played again to mark Mikeysline’s 5th anniversary.  This year, however, Spud was on his own on Ness Bridge playing a solo lament.

Due to the coronovirus pandemic, other supporters took part in a virual candlelit vigil over the weekend.

The bridge was also lit up in Mikeysline’s colours.  Donna Smith, Chair of Mikeysline said:

“the piper’s solitary presence represented the loneliness and solitude of those experiencing mental health issues – particularly during this year – but also offered hope.  It was very poignant.”

Ambassadors launched candlelit vigil

The weekend’s events also included filmed messages from Ambassadors, Actress Karen Gillan and Strongman, Luke Stoltman, while former Ross County Defender, Scott Boyd began the candlelit vigil.

“They did a brilliant job of raising awareness to a wider audience.” said Mrs Smith.

” We would like to thank everyone for their support and marking the anniversary despite the different circumstances.”

Huge appreciation from everyone at Mikeysline to Spud the Piper who has promised to be back in 5 year’s time!

Banksy local hero competition winners

We are delighted to announce that the winners are William and Jayne McMaster, Day Care Officers from the Isobel Rhind Centre, Invergordon (Pictured with Mikeysline Ambassador

William and Jayne were nominated because –

”When Lockdown first started back in March 2020 we were left wondering how we could support the supported persons and keep them in touch with each other in these ever changing times. We were looking at support in the community but with so many unknowns not everyone could receive or want support.

Billy and Jayne came up with the idea of the IRC postcards that enables the supported people and staff to send messages via the you tube channel that they set up. This started off nervously and out with their comfort zone but has been something they have grown into doing. Now most of our supported people watch these and they put messages and pictures of what they have been up to. They and their families and carers get excited when their pictures or videos are shown on the postcards. 

Billy and Jayne have had Ross County players and manager leaving messages and they also got Sean Batty (ITV weather presenter) to present well wishes to our supported people.

This has enabled the service users to see each other and they are all talking about the postcards when we have our virtual groups and the staff enjoy them coming out on you tube. Lots of people in the local community also discuss them as they are a bit of fun and keep things a bit light-hearted when so much is happening around our supported persons that they don’t always understand.”

We would also like thank everyone who took the time to nominate their local heroes. Although they did not win the Banksy print they are all heroes in our eyes!