Strictly contestant pulling for charities with tractor run across Easter Ross
A Dingwall man has been pulling out all the stops in a bid to raise cash for Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre.
Robert Ince, who lives with his partner in the Easter Ross town, has been raising funds in support of his participation in this year’s Strictly Inverness charity dance competition.
Having already held a Curry and Quiz Night and an South American themed cuisine evening, this past weekend he moved things up a gear by hosting a tractor run across Easter Ross.
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The 52-year-old, who by day runs catering operations at Dingwall Mart, led the way as vintage tractors from the local area hit the road, raising over £600.
Inspired by the level of care his colleagues had received from Highland Hospice, Mr Ince hopes that people will continue to get behind fundraising events that support the “incredible” causes at the heart of his campaign.
“The work that Highland Hospice do for the Highland community is incredible and absolutely invaluable,” he said. “Two former work colleagues of mine were cared for in the Hospice so I know first hand what amazing work they do.
“Fundraisers like this one are paramount in keeping that work going, in enabling the public to do what they can to support their efforts.
“Vintage tractors, cakes, Prosecco, dancing and a few silly photos - what better way to raise money?”
After registering with a bacon roll and a coffee at Dingwall Mart, tractors started the run going past Dingwall Leisure Centre and out past the sawmill on Old Evanton Road.
Their travels then took them via Evanton High Street, Alness High Street and along Shore Road to Invergordon.
Participating tractors continued as far as Scotsburn before coming back round via Ardross and Evanton to return to the mart.
Mr Ince added: “Unfortunately the weather did get in the way somewhat and it kept a few of the drivers away. We had some cracking vintage models along though, with a vintage JCB digger.
“On the return journey via Ardross they stopped off to at the Foulis Castle Daffodil Tea celebrations to let their guests have a look at the vehicles before returning to the mart around 3pm.
“They drove without cabs through all manner of weather and were delighted to get a hot pie and a cup of tea when they got back, kindly donated by Deas the bakers in Dingwall.
“Although numbers weren’t huge, people got behind the fundraising for Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre and we raised over £600 which I was delighted with! “
Mr Ince’s fundraising efforts continue with a Tipsy Tea Party at Dingwall Legion on April 27.
Tickets for the event are now available, priced at £20 via Dingwall Mart.
