Dedication board to NHS staff unveiled at Belford
A garden created to welcome weary walkers into Fort William as they approached the end of the West Highland Way will also now give thanks to the work of NHS staff as they coped with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Appropriately situated in front of the Belford Hospital, work to create a haven of plants, with granite seating areas began several years ago by Norrie MacLean, the owner of a nearby guest house. Now volunteers from the Fort William Town Team have worked hard to bring the layout conceived by Maureen MacMaster to fruition.
Although now living in Dundee, Mr MacLean has regularly made the journey back to the garden to add the finishing touches.
Flowers, shrubs and trees were careful selected, planted and tended around the main footpath and an empty verge alongside the busy Belford Road putting a living green curtain between walkers and vehicles.
A traditional archway was erected with the friendly words ‘Welcome to Fort William’, ensuring pedestrians being left in no doubt that their presence was genuinely wanted.
On Monday the garden took on an additional role with the unveiling of a plaque to recognise the huge contribution made by local NHS staff to the Lochaber Community during the ongoing pandemic.
To mark this role an official opening was carried out by Staff Nurse, Jasvir Robertson – although not with surgical scissors.
A number of Fort William Town Team volunteers have worked hard recently tidying, painting and giving Belford Gardens a little tender loving care since lockdown has eased.
It was while working on the gardens, and chatting to passers by, that the idea developed for the team to place a little addition in the gardens. After taking some time to speak to local businesses it was decided they could create the dedication board for the hospital to say ‘thank you’ for everything staff do.
The board will display the names of businesses or individuals who have donated to the Belford Endowment Fund which supports patients and staff.
Any future donations can be addressed to the Manager, Belford Hospital, Fort William and if you contact the Town Team, members can arrange for your logo or message to be included on the dedication board.
If anyone is interested in donating, contact the hospital. Email: mark@macleanhouse. co.uk for the board to be updated.
Town Team secretary Karen Dean said: ‘We are so pleased this project has been completed so quickly in these strange times.
‘The dedication ceremony was held on Monday with representatives from the Belford hospital and the Town Team plus the volunteers who made it all happen.’
If you would like to become involved with the Town Team or receive their emails please contact secretary@fortwilliamtownteam.co.uk for more information.