NEWSLETTER  •  Autumn 2023

Anna's News

As you may have heard in the news, the vehicle ferry that takes the HopScotch bus back and forth across the Corran narrows has been out of action for most of this year. This has been very hard for the local communities and thrown up some challenges for the HopScotch team. However, it has given this years groups the exciting opportunity to travel on some of the different foot passenger ferries that are currently providing a temporary services.  These boats have included the rib boat which takes the group across the Corran narrows. The children have really enjoyed this experience especially when the driver takes a small detour and gives it an extra bit of speed just for the HopScotch groups.  

Some of the groups have travelled on the Crannog Cruise boat which is ferrying passengers up and down Loch Linne from Ardgour to Fort William. Whilst on this boat the children meet Bella the captain's dog, sometimes have a go at steering the boat, and may even see seals and dolphins.  

And finally, the other passenger ferry we have been using is the boat which goes straight across the loch from Fort William to Camasnagal. This ferry runs even when the car ferry is working but is still a great experience for all of us. Once again, the children have loved using this boat especially when the driver brings his dog aboard or lets the children have a go at steering.  

Most of the children who visit HopScotch have never been on a boat before so not only do these ferries has allowed us to reduce the time the children spend on the bus the most special part is that the children are getting an amazing new experience that they will probably remember for the rest of their lives. Thank you to all the ferries and crew providing these vital services we really appreciate it 😊  

Luckily visits to our newest activity, Darach Croft, have not been affected by the lack of a vehicle ferry, as they are based just down the road in Strontian. The groups have loved meeting all the animals and helping Sarah and Hugh out around the croft. A particular highlight was when a group got to meet and hold the 3-week-old chicks. As well as helping with animals the children also get a chance to take part in some crafting which may involve spinning their own yarn or felting pictures to take home. We are so delighted to be able to offer a visit to Darach Croft to our groups, and are very grateful to Sarah and Hugh, who go out of their way to make it a truly memorable experience for the children.  

I am looking forward to many more boat rides and croft visits before the end of this year's program!

Rent Ardvullin!

Did you know that one of the ways you can support HopScotch is by renting beautiful Ardvullin! When Ardvullin isn't in use as a respite break centre, it is available to book for your own holiday home. This includes most weekends, as well as during the week throughout winter. The proceeds from rentals goes directly to supporting HopScotch's ongoing work.

Take a look at our availability and the fantastic facilities we have on our Airbnb link here. Book yourself a break now!

Funding News

A big thank you to all of our Fundraising Stars! We are delighted that so many people want to support HopScotch through fundraising activities. Recent examples include Suzy Maxwell running 20 miles from Edinburgh to North Berwick; Roberta Mackay, Anna Marshall and her siblings  running in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival; Vicky Allen taking part in The Kiltwalk Mighty Stride event walking 21 miles; and Abigail who ran the Scottish Half Marathon! 

As well as all these individual achievements and fundraising efforts, we are also really grateful to the Scottish Passenger Agents Association, who raised a magnificent £3205 at their spectacular Caribbean Party event back in June. Additionally  we are so thankful for the amazing donation of a huge amount of outdoor clothing from the wonderful people at Keela Outdoor. We were also thrilled to receive a very generous donation of £11,883 from the Bank of Scotland Foundation which will support our minibus driver's salary and other vital transportation costs. We are also very excited that Airbnb are offering the abilities to book a free stay in 'Shrek's Swamp' and Airbnb will make a donation to HopScotch rather than taking a fee!

If you feel inspired by our fundraising stories and would like to help, get in touch, and we'd be happy to help you get started. Don't forget that we have also recently made it possible for you to make a direct donation via text. Text HAPPY to 70560 to donate £10. Texts will cost the donation amount (£10) plus one standard network rate message, and you will be opting to hear more from us. If you want to donate but don't want to hear more from us, please text HAPPYNOINFO instead. Additionally, you can give by scanning our QR code below which will also take you to a donation link. You can also click on the link here to donate any amount. Either choose from the amounts displayed or type your desired amount into the box. 

Thank you to everyone for all your support. It makes such a difference to our work and helps us to continue to support vulnerable children in Scotland to have better childhood experiences.

...And Finally

There have been a couple of staffing changes at Ardvullin in recent months. Sadly we said goodbye to our caretaker Angela back in June. However, we are very excited to welcome our new caretaker Andy to Ardvullin. Andy is now living onsite with his wife Joyce and dog Ava. Andy now completes our Ardvullin team, with Anna continuing to be our Activity leader along with Frank our popular minibus driver.