“Something in my Eye” is my new single and is all about mental health and the
overwhelming feelings we sometimes experience. I’m really happy to be donating a share
of the proceeds from the record to Mikeysline to support as many people as possible.

The video for the new song features two wonderful actors, Sam Heughan and Richard
Rankin, who I am now honoured to call my friends. Their participation is a true testament
to the power of human connection.

I feel very fortunate to have a career that allows me to use the power of music to enhance
our human connections. My sincere hope is that this song will help even a tiny number of
people to open up and talk.

I’ve always strived to be open about my mental health and my vulnerabilities, even when
it’s incredibly difficult to talk about these things. I believe that being able to express how we
feel is challenging but immensely important. I always try to wear my heart on my sleeve
and help as many people as I possibly can.

Men are expected to be strong all the time, which means we bottle up our feelings. This
creates a paradox for me because my emotions are a huge source of my songwriting
creativity, yet these same feelings can be so overwhelming that I struggle to cope with the
pressures of everyday life. I know I’m not alone in feeling this way.

What keeps me going is my ability to talk to those around me about those feelings. When I
was asked to be an ambassador for the mental health charity Mikeysline, I was absolutely
delighted to accept. It means I can use my songs to help make a difference to people who
have similar experiences and raise awareness that “it’s okay not to be okay.”

When we realise that it’s good to be open and talk about our emotions, we can be brave
and turn our vulnerability into a superpower. I want to help as many people as I can to
achieve this.

Feeling bad or vulnerable is not a weakness. I know that these feelings are not permanent
and can change. This experience can make you stronger.
Love, compassion, and openness are the keys to my journey, and my hope is that I can help others on their journey too.

With heart,
Callum Beattie
Summer 2024
“It’s Okay Not To Be Okay”

NEW SINGLE: SOMETHING IN MY EYE
PRESALE AND VIDEO AVAILABLE FROM 6 SEPTEMBER 2024
RELEASE DATE – 27 SEPTEMBER 2024

CONTACT: DAVE ROGERS dcr@hanoicreative.com
07595893931

www.mikeysline.co.uk

enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk

The local mental health and suicide prevention charity will be holding an open day event on Tuesday 10^th September in Inverness. Earlier in the year, Mikeysline relocated from the original Hive at Academy Street to Strothers Lane. The new Inverness Hive has been a positive move, with volunteers, staff and service users acknowledging the welcoming and comforting environment.

World Suicide Prevention Day is an awareness day held annually on the 10^th September, raising the importance of suicide awareness being everyone’s business and the worldwide commitment to prevent suicide. Alongside Mikeysline’s core services of providing support for mental health, wellbeing and suicidal thoughts, campaigning and raising awareness is key. Mikeysline’s “Bee The Change” campaign, originally launched in October 2023, centres on this message and focuses on changing the dialogue around mental health and is based on the premise that all of us can make a difference in this.

Holding an Inverness Hive open event marks both the national awareness day and Mikeysline’s message of’ it’s ok not to be ok’.

The event acts as a reminder that Mikeysline is here for everyone, no matter the issue, big or small. The importance of tackling mental health stigma, raising awareness of suicide prevention and an opportunity to thank the community for their ongoing support.

Support from Mikeysline is available for everyone in Highland, Islands and Moray, of all ages and all genders and support includes outreach Hives, including our Hive on the Road, textline, telephone and online support. The day aims to provide an opportunity to visit the Inverness Hive for organisations, individuals, staff and volunteers.

Mikeysline Open Day will be held on Tuesday 10^th September at 4 Strothers Lane, Inverness, IV1 1LR.

10:00 – 11:30: Agencies

12:00 -14:00: Public

16:30 – 17:30: Staff & Volunteers

For more information on Mikeysline support services or Bee The Change: www.mikeysline.co.uk

For further support options

• Download the “Prevent Suicide App”, available as Highland or North East versions
• Visit www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing

For the 2024-2026 seasons, Nairn County have launched a unique third shirt to support local Highland charity Mikeysline.

It was recently announced that suicide rates in Scotland experienced a rise in 2023, with suicide rates in the Highlands and Islands “significantly higher” than the Scottish average.

Featuring a bee pattern taken from the Mikeysline logo, the shirt has been launched to help grow the presence of the charity who provide text and face-to-face support for people of all ages struggling to cope across the wider Highland League region while raising money from every shirt sale.

Nairn County will be donating £10 from each sale of an adult shirt and £5 from the sale of a kid’s shirt to Mikeysline.

In addition, the club will be dedicating a home league match to fundraising for Mikeysline during this season.

Mark Kelman, Nairn County Chairman, said: “We are very proud to launch our special Mikeysline third shirt.

With the recent news about suicide rates in Scotland and the experiences of many people in the town of Nairn, it is a very important cause close to our hearts.

Our special TeamHamish charity third shirt which we had for the past two seasons was our biggest selling shirt of all-time. We have no doubt this shirt will also be extremely popular and shine a light on an incredible charity.”

Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline said “We are so grateful for the partnership with Narin County FC over the last few years, which we really value and the launch of the third shirt this year is an amazing opportunity to really promote our charity locally as well as raise crucial funds.

“We could not be happier with its unique design and hope that it will serve the further purpose of opening up conversations around mental health, which in turn can help break down the stigma that can and does in some cases prevent people from reaching out for support when they most need it.”

The shirts were designed by Nairn County kit supplier Hope and Glory. They will be on sale in person for the first-time at the Nairn County v Rothes Breedon Highland League match on Friday night and are also available online.

www.nairncountyfc.co.uk

For more information about the Mikeysline charity please visit www.mikeysline.co.uk – or find Mikeysline on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Mikeysline ambassadors Dave Rogers, Siobhan Mackenzie, Callum Beattie and CEO, Emily Stokes    Picture: Calum Mackay

A Black Isle designer who is no stranger to star endorsements notched another first at Belladrum for a cause close to her heart.

Siobhan Mackenzie is used to being sought out by celebrities looking for some classy razzle dazzle when they take to the stage for high profile events in Scotland.

But when she handed over a kilt to fellow Mikeysline Ambassador at Belladrum, it was to raise the profile of Mikeysline who they both champion.

Siobhan, who was raised on the Black Isle, explained: “I have designed Mikeysline their own tartan as a donation to the charity.

“The design is focused around their key message of ‘bee the change’ implementing black and yellow bumblebee stripes into the aesthetic of the tartan.

“The aim is that when people wear the tartan it ignites a conversation around Mikeysline and the amazing work they are doing in suicide prevention and there will be a product launch coming soon for the public.”

Callum, who is also an ambassador, unveiled the tartan wearing the first ever Mikeysline kilt on stage at Belladrum where he also released the video to his new single, which is in support of Mikeysline.

Added Siobhan: “I’m thrilled to work with both Mikeysline and Callum on this project and help champion the fantastic and vital work they do.”

Mikeysline chief executive officer Emily Stokes said: “We are absolutely delighted with our own Mikeysline tartan designed by our extremely talented ambassador Siobhan Mackenzie and we now have a range of merchandise in this design.

“Our first kilt made from this stunning tartan was always going to be for Callum Beattie and there was no more fitting occasion for this to be premiered than at the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival!

“What made it even more special for us, however, was that Callum came onto the stage in his new kilt and sang ‘Something in my Eye’, his latest single, which will be released shortly in support of Mikeysline.

“This rounded off an amazing time at Belladrum for us at Mikeysline, with hugely important conversations over the three days with people and great support for our charity.”

Scottish music superstar Callum Beattie, treated fans and festival goers at this year’s Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival to an exclusive premiere of his new music video for upcoming charity single, ‘Something in my Eye’.

 Performing on Saturday’s Hot House Stage ahead of headline act Deacon Blue, Callum, who is set to launch his new single later this month, gave fans a big surprise when actors Sam Heughan and Richard Rankin from hit Scottish drama series, Outlander, made an appearance in the video. 

 Callum shared: “As men, we’re expected to be strong, showing no weakness and bottling up our feelings from others. In spite of this, I’ve always tried to be open about my mental health – even when it’s incredibly difficult to talk about, I always try to wear my heart on my sleeve in the hope that others will know that it’s ok not to be ok. 

 “‘Something in my Eye’ is about sharing that message and I’m incredibly proud to be able to do my bit to support the work of mental health charity, Mikeysline, by donating a share of the proceeds from this single to the organisation, helping them to continue their support across the Highlands, Islands and Moray.

 “Featuring the incredible Sam Heughan and Richard Rankin – who I am now honoured to call my friends – I feel very fortunate to have a career that allows me to use the power of music to enhance our human connections and share messages of support. My sincere hope is that this song will help even a tiny number of people to open up and talk.”

 The Highland mental health and suicide prevention charity, appointed Callum, alongside manager Dave Rogers, as an ambassador in March this year. As part of their support, the duo have generously offered to donate a percentage of the profits made from sales of ‘Something in my Eye’, to the charity’s continued work, which supports both adults and young people through their 1:1 face to face and online support from their Hives, in schools, communities and with businesses, in addition to their text-based support first launched in 2015.  All of the support provided by Mikeysline is on a confidential, non-jugemental basis for people of all ages and genders who need support  for their mental health, are in emotional distress or have thoughts of self-harm and/or suicide.

 “When I was asked to be an ambassador for Mikeysline, I was absolutely delighted to accept” continued Callum. “What keeps me going is the ability to talk to those around me about my feelings, and at Mikeysline, that is the goal –to encourage more men, women and young people throughout the Highlands, to speak up and share when they are feeling lost, alone and in emotional distress. 

 “Showing vulnerability is not a weakness. In fact, when we open up and talk about our emotions, we can take those vulnerabilities and turn them into a superpower. Love, compassion, and openness are the keys to my journey, and my hope is that I can help others on their journeys too – I want to help as many people as I can to achieve this.”

 Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline, commented: “The video for ‘Something in my Eye’ is absolutely fantastic and we, as an organisation, couldn’t be more grateful to Callum, Dave, and all the band for what they have done with this, as well as Sam and Richard for giving their time and getting involved to make this video which is so fitting for the wonderful song.

 “I was truly moved by the video and the message it shares, Callum and Dave’s support for our ‘Bee the Change’ campaign – which is aimed at changing the dialogue about mental health and breaking down the stigma is so important to us and to Mikeysline’s work as a whole. From a small grassroots charity in the Highlands to the organisation we are today – with volunteers, ambassadors and partners from across the region and beyond – it feels almost surreal knowing that people from all over the world will be listening to and watching this video and hopefully hearing the key message that ‘its ok not to be ok and the importance of reaching out for support when needed. That means so much to all of us at Mikeysline.”

 Since 2015, Mikeysline has offered confidential, non-judgemental support to people of all ages dealing with mental health issues, emotional distress or thoughts of suicide in the Highlands, Islands and Moray. It does this via a text line service at 07786 207755; WhatsApp at 01463 729000, messenger and via its website and live chat.

 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; and offers face-to-face support in Hives across the region – at its Inverness headquarters, and in Alness, Nairn, Tain, Balintore, Portmahomack, Thurso and shortly also in Elgin.Here, service users can engage in one-to-one support, or at some venues  join in group sessions for adults, men, families and young people.

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

Scottish musical sensation and newly appointed ambassador of Mikeysline, Callum Beattie, is due to premiere the video for his new single ‘Something in my eye’ on Saturday evening in support of the Highland mental health and suicide prevention charity. 

To be Debuted at this year’s Belladrum Tartan Heart Music Festival, a percentage of profits made from sales of the single is set to be generously donated to Mikeysline to help further fund the organisation’s work across the Highlands, Islands and Moray. 

Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline, commented: “To say we are incredibly grateful to Callum and his manager Dave, for this unique and truly wonderful act would be an understatement.  

“‘Something in my eye’ is a beautiful song that I know will resonate with many people who are feeling the impact of low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. It touches on so much of what we do day-by-day in our support and we hope it will share the message that it’s ok not to be ok.” 

The single’s formal launch date will be late August, but Belladrum attendees are in for a treat with the premiere of the song and accompanying video on Saturday evening at 7.30pm on the Main stage at Belladrum. 

Callum Beattie shared: “I am very proud to be an ambassador for Mikeysline and I’m a huge champion of all that they do across the Highlands, Islands and Moray in supporting those who are struggling with mental health. 

“This song has been in the works for a while now and I really wanted it to be just right, that’s why my team and I have been working to pull out all the stops to help share the message that you are not alone and it’s ok not to be ok. 

“I have often used my songwriting as a way to understand and communicate my own feelings, whether they be happy or sad – the process of putting pen to paper and finding that perfect melody is incredibly therapeutic.” 

Callum, alongside manager Dave Rogers, was appointed as a Mikeysline ambassador in March this year, vowing to play his part in championing the organisation’s work across the region, including its most recent ‘Bee the Change’ campaign aimed at challenging the current dialogue and stigmas surrounding mental health and suicide.

 Further information on the formal release date of the single will follow.

Since 2015, Mikeysline has offered confidential, non-judgemental support to people of all ages dealing with mental health issues, emotional distress or thoughts of suicide in the Highlands, Islands and Moray. It does this via a text line service at 07786 207755; WhatsApp at 01463 729000, messenger and via its website and live chat.

 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; and offers face-to-face support in Hives across the region – at its Inverness headquarters, and in Alness, Nairn, Tain, Balintore, Portmahomack, Thurso and shortly also in Elgin.. Here, service users can engage in one-to-one support, or at some venues  join in group sessions for adults, men, families and young people.

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