"Duet" provides new opportunities for children with mobility difficulties

Children in the Nairn area with mobility difficulties will be able to get around and enjoy the outdoors more now with the help of a new dual tandem wheelchair bicycle thanks to a sponsor gift from LifeScan Scotland Ltd.

The ‘Duet’ which will be available for use free or charge can be borrowed from  the Community Service Volunteers office at Links School, Grant Street where it will be stored.

Of German design and manufacture, the Duet is easy and safe to use, offering new horizons for users.  It is designed for a child or adult to be transported around in a wheelchair by their parent or carer giving enjoyment to both. Within seconds the wheel chair can be detached from the frame for all round mobility.

The bicycle will be kept at the CSV offices in Links School, Grant Street, Nairn and arrangements to use the bicycle can be made by contacting Ed Chambers on 01667 455234.

Links school at Grant Street was chosen by Play Highland, an organisation which comprises services from The Highland Council and volunteer organisations involved in children’s play, as the base for the Duet because of the safe cycling opportunities around Nairn Links and Leisure Park area.

Councillor David Alston, a member of Play Highland, said: “Lifescan Scotland Limited kindly gave us a donation and we decided to purchase this special tandem bicycle which is customised for children who are disabled and who have mobility difficulties. I’m sure parents will find the bike a great help and children using it will be comfortably able to enjoy visits around the Nairn Links area.”

LifeScan Scotland Limited, a Johnson & Johnson company, has supported several Play Highland initiatives in recent years with donations to purchase play equipment at Ormlie in Thurso, Culbokie on the Black Isle, and basket swings for children with disabilities to help promote inclusive play in Dingwall and Nairn. The Duet at Nairn is only one of two available for play in the Highlands, the other available for loan from the Floral Hall, Inverness. 

Mike Crowe, Managing Director of LifeScan Scotland said: “LifeScan Scotland value their role in helping the local community wherever appropriate and in this context the company's  donation will be helping those with health challenges enjoy getting out and about and developing  a sense of independence.”

Parents and guardians of children wishing to use the tandem bicycle, known as a Duet, should telephone 01667 455234 to arrange a time for booking the bicycle for up to two-hours.