QUARRYING and construction materials specialist Tillicoultry Quarries recently surprised Strathcarron Hospice with support for the resurfacing of its road entranceway and car parking facilities.
The works were planned at the hospice in Denny, near Falkirk, to ensure sufficient parking and access to the specialist palliative and end of life care services.
A few days before work was due to start, the charity’s chief executive, Irene McKie, took a call from Tillicoultry Quarries’ director Wallace Menzies about a delivery of tarmac being supplied by them later that week.
Irene explained, “Tillicoultry Quarries has certainly made a big difference to us during a difficult period. Wallace didn’t initially know the order was for us as it was ordered through the company undertaking the works, but when he heard it was for Strathcarron Hospice, he offered a donation towards the cost of the material and asked if some of his team could come and take a look at the works for themselves.
“After the work was complete, managing director Ian Menzies and area manager Russell Sinnott from Tillicoultry Quarries visited, with a donation of the full cost of the materials, which was a wonderful surprise.”
Covid-19 restrictions have meant Strathcarron has been unable to receive vital sources of funding this year, with many fundraising activities cancelled due to the pandemic.
Irene added, “Without the kind donations we regularly receive from sponsorship from participants at races such as the Edinburgh Marathon, funeral services, donation boxes in shops, bars or restaurants, friends of Strathcarron Hospice group activities or international events such as the Kilimanjaro Climb to raise money, there has been a real financial impact of Covid-19 on Strathcarron Hospice and the vital work we do.
“With many of our funding sources cut off for several months now, it has been a really difficult time for our business and we’re so grateful to the Tillicoultry Quarries team for their support and their donation of £15,688. We celebrate every donation, but this one has come at a time when we need it most.”
Tillicoultry Quarries has 15 sites across Central Scotland, the largest site being Northfield in Denny. The firm’s community engagement programme includes donations to a variety of worthy causes such as Action for Children and Bowel Cancer UK, alongside the support of local groups, sponsorship and fundraising for events and galas.
Wallace Menzies said, “We are a family business and our roots are instilled in the local communities we work and live in through ongoing activities, in terms of funding, employment and support of local charities, businesses and community groups. With all the difficulties and hardships faced by so many in recent months, it has never been more essential for us to do everything we can to support the communities we serve.
“We were delighted to find an opportunity to support the great work of Strathcarron Hospice through our donation in support of the essential resurfacing works and hope that it goes some way in showing our appreciation for the work they do.”
