The Highland Association of the Scottish Building Federation has confirmed that a grand total of £1730.90 has been raised for the Highland and Islands Society for Blind People.

The Association's President, Billy Sweeney, unveiled the fundraising total when he visited the charity’s IT training unit in Inverness yesterday.

While there, Billy met a number of the blind and visually impaired service users to hear how they have benefited from the charity’s support and what difference the Association’s donation will make.

The Association’s annual dinner, held at the Lochardil House Hotel, Inverness on Friday 5 March was attended by 170 members and guests. Before dinner, guests were offered an introduction to construction in the Highlands from Angus MacLeod, head of the School of Construction and Forestry at Inverness College. After dinner, guests were entertained by speeches from Scottish architect, Rodger Brunton and stand-up comedian Bruce Fummey.

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All money raised from the dinner will be used by the Highland and Islands Society for Blind People to continue offering a range of services to blind and visually impaired people across the Highlands, helping them to live safe and independent lives.

Billy Sweeney, President of the Scottish Building Federation’s Highland Association said: "We're delighted to have raised such a significant amount of money which I know will make a real difference to blind and visually impaired individuals living in the Highlands.

"I have past experience of working with the Highland and Islands Society for Blind People and have witnessed first-hand the benefits of the range of services it offers. The money we’ve raised will go some way to helping the charity continue this work and the running of its IT training centre, sensory toy library and its many other services."

Denise Clark from the Highland and Islands Society for Blind People said: "I am absolutely delighted to receive this considerable donation from the very generous members of the Scottish Building Federation’s Highland Association. We rely heavily on local fundraising support and this money will be put to good use helping people affected by visual impairment or blindness in the Highlands."

(GK/BMcC)