Portsoy bids to make Light the North lighthouse a permanent feature
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PORTSOY has launched a fundraising drive to secure its charity lighthouse permanently.
The 2.5m tall lighthouse artwork, temporarily installed as part of the Light The North lighthouse trail, was created by professional mosaic artist Rachel Davies and is called Riding Out The Storm.
It can be found on Shore Street between the town’s two harbours until Sunday, October 17 but the local community wants to keep it for good.
Attracting a lot of visitors and attention over recent weeks, residents hope the lighthouse can be secured as a permanent feature.
The trail has seen the installation of 50 similar lighthouse sculptures located around the north east, Orkney and Shetland in an initiative between CLAN Cancer Support and Wild in Art.
They have been designed to provide a 'light in the dark' for people affected by cancer, and also to encourage people to rediscover and engage with the beautiful countryside.
The lighthouses will be auctioned off on Monday, November 1 at Thainstone Exchange, Inverurie when money raised will help to fund the work of CLAN, which provides emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer.
Portsoy 75 Club is supporting the local cash drive, with online donations already totalling £510. Plans are also in place to make donation boxes available locally to further boost the appeal.
Brian Sutherland, chairman of the Portsoy 75 Club, said: "We think this is a brilliant idea and it is for the community."
There are collecting jars in the Station, Shore Inn and Donalds bakers.
Monies raised will be used to bid for the lighthouse when it is auctioned in the hope of securing its future in the town, and to cover the costs of planning and installation.
Should the bid be unsuccessful, funds raised will be split equally between CLAN, Portsoy Thrift Shop and Portsoy 75 Club. The donations made to Portsoy Thrift Shop and Portsoy 75 Club will be distributed to support local community groups, activities and events in Portsoy.
Anyone wishing to make a donation online can do so on the dedicated Go Fund Me page which can be found at https://gofund.me/633b99d7
