Around 100 children, young people, and family members came together at Inverness's Northern Meeting Park on 28 July for the first ‘Home, Heart and Hoolie’ event.
The event was a Highland Games with a difference which celebrated inclusion, wellbeing and community spirit.
Organised by The Highland Council and delivered in partnership with High Life Highland, the event was supported through the sportscotland Summer of Sport programme.
The invitation-only event provided a fun, welcoming and accessible afternoon for care experienced children and young people, young carers, children and young people with disabilities and additional support needs, minority ethnic families, unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people and families experiencing poverty, social isolation or other vulnerabilities.
The event brought together children, young people and families supported by Highland Council services, creating opportunities to build friendships, strengthen community connections and enjoy a range of free activities in a safe and supportive environment.
Participants enjoyed a packed programme of entertainment and activities inspired by traditional Highland Games, including toss the caber, ‘welly wanging’ and tug of war. There were also opportunities to take part in sessions led by Cheryl's Highland Dancers, enjoy inflatable activities, try accessible games and challenges, meet Scottish Fire and Rescue Service personnel, and learn about ferrets through a supervised educational display!
Food and refreshments were available throughout the afternoon from Blazin Piza and Fee’s Ice Creams while community organisations and partner agencies offered engagement activities and information on support available to local families.
The event was designed to break down barriers that can prevent children, young people and families from accessing community events and recreational opportunities, ensuring that every participant felt welcomed, valued and included regardless of their circumstances, background or abilities.
Home, Heart & Hoolie was made possible through partnership working between The Highland Council, High Life Highland and a range of partner organisations and volunteers who worked together to deliver the event.
Chair of The Highland Council's Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor David Fraser, said:
“I was delighted that around 100 participants took part in the Home, Heart & Hoolie celebration. The event focussed on inclusion, community spirit and the importance of creating opportunities for all children, young people and families to come together, have fun and make lasting memories.
"All those who took part had the opportunity to enjoy the activities, build new friendships and take part in an event designed to ensure everyone felt welcome and included.
"I would like to sincerely thank all of the organisers, volunteers, High Life Highland, sportscotland and our many partners whose commitment and hard work made the day such a success. I would also like to thank every child, young person and family who attended and helped create such a positive, friendly and enjoyable atmosphere.
"This event demonstrated the real impact that partnership working can have in supporting wellbeing, reducing isolation and strengthening communities across Highland, and I hope Home, Heart & Hoolie will continue to grow as an annual celebration of inclusion."
Michael Boylan, Chair of Board of Directors for High Life Highland:
“Home, Heart and Hoolie is exactly the sort of activity that Summer of Sport is all about – bringing children, families and carers together to have fun while taking part in sport and physical activity. Summer of Sport is already having a really positive impact across the region by removing barriers to participation – helping individuals and groups take part in activities they might not normally be able to access; training more staff and volunteers and allowing High Life Highland and The Highland Council to really expand our offerings this summer and beyond.”
Organisers hope the success of this year's event will provide the foundation for Home, Heart & Hoolie to become a lasting annual celebration, showcasing the positive work taking place across Highland to support children, young people and families and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate, connect and thrive within their communities.
Above: Young people receive their certificates.
Above: Young people have a go at the toss the caber activity.