More than £107,000 has now been raised for a state-of-the-art playpark at John O’Groats, with the latest contribution coming from a glow walk around the village at the weekend.
A total of 59 walkers, aged from two years to 80-plus, braved the cold weather to take part in the 5km event on Saturday.
Setting off from Café Groats, they brightened up a dark January night by wearing bright or reflective clothing and bringing torches and glow sticks.
The playpark will be in memory of local woman Julie McGee, who died suddenly in April 2021 at the age of 44.
The £736.20 collected on Saturday comes on top of £8000 raised so far by a virtual LEJOG (Land’s End to John O’Groats) Facebook walking group.
Playpark supporters gather outside Café Groats, ready for the start of the glow walk on Saturday night. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
The idea of joining together in a virtual LEJOG for 2024 came from Liz Gates, Julie’s mum.
Mairi Anne Cormack, one of Julie’s friends, is among those driving forward the playpark project.
“Everyone was wrapped up warm and well lit on Saturday night, so the weather didn’t bother us,” Mairi Anne said.
“The street lighting from 8 Doors Distillery up to the Seaview Hotel was all out but we had plenty of torches with us so it didn’t hold us back, and the John O’Groats fire brigade lit up a dark spot around the back of Café Groats for us too.
“A state-of-the-art play facility that can entertain for whole afternoons, evenings or even all day would just be brilliant – not just for the immediate area but the whole of Caithness, as well as for tourists.
“Julie was all about family, fun, being outside and living life, and that’s exactly what this park will be about. We now have over £107,000 in the bank.”
Bright and reflective outfits were worn for the John O’Groats glow walk. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios
The playpark will cost over £375,000 plus VAT. It is hoped that later phases will feature a pump track and a multi-use games area.
Mairi Anne pointed out that the walking group had covered more than 41,000 miles collectively on the virtual LEJOG.
“There were over 100 walkers in the group but just under half of those were actively tracking and noting down their miles – the rest were doing things by their own way and being generally supportive,” she explained.
“This initiative driven by Liz has been one of our biggest earners to date, behind Caithness Rugby Club who have contributed more than 10 per cent of our overall donations thus far.
“Inspired by the walking group, we are organising a sponsored walk of 26 miles from Wick to John O’Groats on June 7 along the John O’Groats Trail.
“If anyone would like to join us for all or part of the way, they would be very welcome and can contact us by email jogplaypark@gmail.com to keep in touch.”
More information can be found on the John O’Groats Development Trust Playpark Project Facebook page.
People of all ages setting off on the glow walk at John O’Groats. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern StudiosSome of those taking part in the John O’Groats glow walk on Saturday evening. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern StudiosWalkers setting off on the latest fundraising event for the John O’Groats playpark project. Picture: Robert MacDonald / Northern Studios