Mikeysline has teamed up with fashion designer Black Isle to sell new tartan scarves to support mental health

Siobhan Mackenzie presents Sir Jim Walker with a Mikeysline scarf.

Highland mental health and suicide prevention charity Mikeysline is interweaving Scottish heritage with mental health advocacy with the launch of its new Scottish scarf collection.

Created in collaboration with acclaimed Black Isle designer and Mikeysline ambassador Siobhan Mackenziethe limited edition collection combines the timeless appeal of Scottish tartan with a powerful message: to support it struggling with mental health in the Highlands.

The scarf is centered around Mikeysline’s core messages of “It’s OK not to be OK” and encourages us all to “Bee the change” to change the dialogue around mental health in Highland. The scarf features black and yellow bumblebee stripes woven in the traditional tartan pattern and is finished with a bumblebee pin.

Designer Siobhan Mackenzie recently debuted the new scarf alongside Sir Jim Walker of Walker’s Shortbread during a visit to New York City, where she received the prestigious Young Scot Wallace Award from the American Scottish Foundation.

The Young Scot Wallace Award recognizes young Scottish individuals who make notable contributions in their fields, with Siobhan being honored for her distinguished impact on fashion.

During her time in New York, Siobhan presented the Mikeysline tartan against iconic city backdrops, bringing global attention to the tartan and its mission.

Chief executive of Mikeysline, Emily Stokes, said: “We can’t thank Siobhan enough for the hard work and skills she has put into these products. It’s really something to see the Mikeysline tartan worn on the streets of New York.

“For us, the new collection is more than just a fashion statement; it is a heartfelt tribute to our rich Highland heritage and a tangible symbol of our commitment to mental health and suicide prevention support in Highland.

“By incorporating the bumblebee stripes into the design, we hope it can remind everyone that it’s okay to not be okay and that there is support everywhere, as well as spark conversations about that.”

With every scarf sold, Mikeysline supporters help fund mental health care for those in need in the Highlands.

The scarves are made from premium Scottish wool and cost £40. They are available online, with all proceeds directly supporting Mikeysline’s vital work.

To purchase a limited edition Mikeysline scarf, visit www.shop.mikeysline.co.uk.

Since 2015, Mikeysline has been providing confidential, non-judgmental support to people of all ages dealing with mental health issues, emotional problems or suicidal thoughts in the Highlands, Islands and Moray. This is done via a text message service on 07786 207755; WhatsApp on 01463 729000, messenger and via the website and live chat.

The charity also produces a podcast, Speaking of Suicide; provides support to companies; works closely with teachers and students in schools in the north of Scotland; and provides personal support in Hives across the region – at its headquarters in Inverness and in Alness, Nairn, Tain, Portmahomack, Thurso and Elgin.

Here service users can receive individual support or, in some locations, participate in group sessions for adults, men, families and school communities.

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