Annual Burns Supper Raises Over £15,000 for Mikeysline

Local mental health and suicide prevention charity Mikeysline has hailed its annual Burns Supper an outstanding success, raising over £15,000 to support its vital services.

The much‑loved event, hosted by the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on Thursday evening, celebrated the life and works of Scotland’s Bard while generating crucial funds for the charity’s lifeline provision.

Guests enjoyed a traditional Scottish feast alongside entertainment from the Cheryle Heggie School of Dance and music from Charleston Academy’s Bee the Change Choir, Seffi Rose Music and Tartan Paint. The evening also featured traditional Burns Night toasts and a lively grand auction.

The funds raised will go directly towards the delivery of Mikeysline’s free, confidential and non‑judgemental peer‑led support services, including text‑based, in‑person and callback support, delivered across the Highlands, Islands and Moray.

Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline, said:

“The Burns Supper was a truly magical evening and a wonderful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with compassion and determination.

We know the current financial climate is affecting everyone in some capacity and we are hugely appreciative of the support shown on the night, and in the lead‑up to the event – it means we can continue to be there for people when they need us most.

On behalf of everyone at Mikeysline, I’d like to thank all who helped make the night such a huge success, including our MC, Willie Cameron, Auctioneer, Kenny Smith and Liam Christie, Kirsty Hunter and Iain Hamilton for their key speeches. Finally, a huge shout out to Kai and the team at KBE events who put on a spectacular show with our music, lighting and general atmosphere”

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Mikeysline: 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 Dingwall Alness, Nairn, Tain, Wick, 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.

Hive on the Road: Launched in 2024, Mikeysline’s Hive on the Road enables support staff to provide accessible 1:1 support sessions in the more rural areas of the Highlands, Islands and Moray. The initiative was made possible by a generous grant from The Wolfsen Foundation which allowed Mikeysline to purchase its first transit van and enlist Vulcan Van Conversations to make modifications. Additional grants from McDonalds in the Community and West Fraser also supported the development and ongoing costs of the project. In 2025, West Fraser remain our key sponsor partner for our original Hive on the Road. Our second Hive on the Road, launched in 2025 is funded by the Royal Foundation.