Out & About in Sutherland

It was great to have the opportunity to get out and about, Volunteering Highland decided to head of to Sutherland for the day to meet some great organisations that have some fantastic volunteers (though they can be a little camera shy).

First off all  we popped into the Brora Thrift shop and had a chat with the lovely volunteer Mandy, she explained that all the money raised, once rent and utilities are paid, all goes back into the community. 18 local organisations received £1000 and 15 received £500 from 2024 – 2025. Mandy said 11 fantastic volunteers run the shop 6 days a week from 10am – 4pm, however they are always keen to hear from anyone else who would like to volunteer.

Mandy said it is a great wee shop, you get to meet lots of people, everyone is so friendly and you know that you are giving back to the community. If you would like to volunteer at the Brora Thrift Shop, just pop in and ask for Mandy. 

Then off we went to the fabulous Brora Hub, It is a great community resource, with 26 amazing volunteers. Kath the manager explained it could not function without their support and hard work. The Brora Hub has so many activities and projects, I am not even sure where to start. A training kitchen, Polly tunnels where they grow their own vegetables that can then be used in their kitchen, or any extras go to the sharing shed, they have various spaces for different groups such as arts and crafts, wood work and so much more.

However they still need volunteers to help with the people who visit the hub, in particular they are looking for drivers, so if you could spare a few hours to help collect older people in the community to attend their for some food, a blether and wee activity, then please contact Kath on Tel: 01408 622312 or Email: engagingwithactivity@gmail.com

I then took a little drive through to the Bradbury Centre, Bonar Bridge where they support people over 60 or with special needs. They are a health and wellbeing centre that covers East Sutherland, Tain, Dornoch and surrounding areas. I was told by the Manager they would cover more if they had more drivers. They have volunteer drivers and a super volunteer gardener called Liz who has transformed and maintained their beautiful gardens.

I was lucky enough to catch up with Colin Burridge who is now retired and one of the volunteer Drivers, he says it’s a great place to volunteer, you get to know the people, he enjoys getting out and about and giving back to the community.

Finally, I popped into the vibrant and colourful Kyle of Sutherland Hub, what a super place, open 7 days a week, between Ardgay & Bonar Bridge. You instantly feel welcome, there is a childrens soft play area, café, fitness suite, charity shop, and a varied range of clubs and classes for everyone.  Carol Shaw the manager of The Hub informed me that it is community owned and started of from very humble beginnings, the Hub started of life in an old double decker bus as an after school club, it gradually grew from there. Some of the volunteers have been there from the very start and have made it what it is today. If you get the chance, I encourage you to pop in and grab a cuppa in their café, whilst you let any youngsters burn off their energy in the soft play area.

They are always happy to have volunteers help out in the café or shop, email: info@kyleofsutherland.com or Tel: 01863 769170

If you would like any further information about these great volunteer involving organisations, please feel free to reach out to them on the details provided, or contact me directly by email: luthien@highlandtsi.org.uk