Brave teen book 'could save lives'

Kelsey McRae (18) from Alness first started writing Indigo Rain 12 years ago when she was alone and bullied, creating friends and using their lives to express her thoughts and feelings on paper.

The book deals with anxiety, depression, loneliness, confusion and questions about sexuality. Being told that her “problems can’t be that bad” and “that’s just the way things are” convinced Kelsey that voices from her generation were going unheard.

Ross MP Ian Blackford MP hailed her story, which features magical twins and demonic smoke which expresses her fears and which she hopes will help others understand themselves.

Mr Blackford said: “I am impressed at the bravery and openness of this young lady and her willingness to publish her innermost thoughts to help others. I was delighted when she came in to see me at my recent surgery in Ullapool to tell me about her book and how she came about writing it. It is truly fascinating and I hope, inspirational to others who may find themselves in similar situations.”

Kelsey said: “It might seem unreal that a book about magical twins and demonic smoke can help anyone, but the book’s real darkness comes from the sad truths. There are many youths like Eric around the world who experience depression and other related mental health issues.

“Young people of minority sexualities have been found to be five times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual counterparts. If Indigo Rain helps just a portion of these, it will be a success.

“Hopefully, it will provide hope for many more.”