NHS frontline worker does her bit to help Highland Wildlife Park
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A NHS frontline worker and part time artist has drawn on inspiration from the residents at the Highland Wildlife Park to help the cash-strapped attraction on the road to recovery from Covid-19.
Mairi Watson, a radiographer for NHS Fife, is auctioning off two original watercolour paintings inspired by a trip last year to the site by Kincraig.
Mairi lives in Kirkcaldy with husband Lewis and children Eva (8) and Alex (5) as well as dog Bonnie and they are regular visitors to the strath.
But of course the family can not holiday here at present because of the Covid-19 lockdown.
However, that has not stopped Mairi from helping the wildlife park which is facing up to the consequences of its prolonged enforced closure.
There is some good news in that the attraction is set to re-open to locals from the end of this month as part of the easing of virus restrictions.
But visitors from afar will still be unable to travel to Kincraig and the operation needs every penny it can get in donations.
Mairi told the Strathy: "We have many happy memories of holidays to Aviemore and visits to nearby visitor attractions including the Highland Wildlife Park.
"I like that there is the opportunity to see and learn about the animals and also to walk and take in the scenery, it's in a beautiful location.
"The kids loved seeing the polar bears playing in their pool and were fascinated by wolves. They also had great fun at the play park. We always enjoy a day out there.
"I want to help raise funds for the wildlife park so its future is secured for the sake of the animals and the staff and so my family and others can enjoy more visits in the future.
"The park also plays an important part in the wildcat breeding programme helping to protect a critically endangered species – I really hope this work can continue.
Mairi sells items at Loch an Eilein Gallery at Rothiemurchus by Aviemore.
She said: "I – like a lot of people _ don't have many extra pennies at the moment but what I did have was two original watercolour paintings inspired by a trip to the wildlife park on a family summer holiday in Aviemore last year.
"So I thought I'd raffle my paintings to raise some money to help out.
"A wee pound donated here and there where people can afford it will help a good cause and with the bonus of maybe winning a painting. My fingers are crossed that I can raise a decent amount."
For more information visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mairisgalleryraffle
