Newly formed St Duthus Football Club U16s proudly unveiled their new home kit for the upcoming season, made possible by the generous sponsorship of local business, Macleod Roofing. An avid supporter of the Highland community, Macleod Roofing has long been committed to nurturing local talent and enhancing youth sports initiatives in the Highlands, adding St Duthus FC to its impressive portfolio of community youth sports sponsorships. Sandy Macleod, managing director of Macleod Roofing, remarked: “The team look fantastic in their new kits, proudly displaying the Macleod Roofing logo as they gear up for an exciting season ahead. “At Macleod Roofing, we always looking for ways to support various groups within our community. Through our recent sponsorship of the St Duthus FC U16s squad kit, we’re thrilled to provide young athletes with the resources and encouragement they need for their development, both on and off the field.  “We can’t wait to see how this season unfolds and are confident that the team will demonstrate their skills and sportsmanship on the pitch this year.” In addition to the U16 home kits, Macleod Roofing has also agreed to sponsor the away kits of several players, including Charlie Raven, Joe Burd and Calum Macangus.   Macleod Roofing has provided exceptional roofing services in the Highlands and the north of Scotland for over 30 years. Founded by Sandy Macleod, the firm provides a one-stop roofing service – bringing roofers, slaters, joiners, builders, plumbers and painters under the same umbrella. For more information, visit www.macleodroofing.co.uk

A respected Highland roofing firm is calling on local businesses to support young people in the workplace. Macleod Roofing has partnered with Barnardo’s Works since 2019, to support young people aged 15 to 29 by providing essential employability support and apprenticeship opportunities within the trades. Now the firm is calling on other Highland businesses to follow suit. Barnardo’s Works is a charitable initiative, run by the charity Barnardo’s, that supports 15-29-year-olds by providing tailored employability support and skills development. The programme offers one-on-one guidance from dedicated key workers, group workshops, and access to various courses designed to enhance skills in specific industries, such as construction and trades.  Managing director of Macleod Roofing, Sandy Macleod, said: “At Macleod Roofing, we believe in investing in the future of Scottish trades and supporting local communities by offering real opportunities for growth. “Our partnership with Barnardo’s Works allows us to nurture young talent by offering apprentices the tools to succeed in their chosen industry. “However, at Macleod Roofing, we are just one part of a much larger community of tradespeople here in the Highlands.” General works manager Alan Campbell added: “Supporting Barnardo’s Works is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses, as it helps bridge the gap between education and employment, giving young people a chance to succeed through on-the-job experience, mentorship from industry experts, and the development of crucial skills for their future careers. “This ensures that young people are well-equipped with the skills that employers need to build successful careers.” Through its collaboration with Barnardo’s Works, Macleod Roofing has so far provided hands-on training and mentorship to five young people, including Reece Hunter, the first apprentice to join the company in 2019.  Reece, who qualified in 2023, said: “Barnardo’s Works was the best thing to happen to me. They helped me find my confidence and steered me towards the right career path – from CV support to experience in one of their charity shops, they gave me the tools to get me started. “It was Barnardo’s Works that helped me find Macleod Roofing. I knew I wanted a career in construction and this just fit the bill. It’s really been an eye-opener and a confidence boost for me. After five years with the team, I wouldn’t look back, and I would definitely encourage more businesses to reach out to Barnardo’s Works to be a part of this initiative.” Businesses have the power to make a transformative impact on the lives of young people by helping them overcome barriers to employment and realise their full potential. In many cases, young individuals face challenges such as limited work experience, access to opportunities, or necessary skills development, which can hinder their career progression. By stepping in and offering structured support, companies can be the catalyst that bridges this gap. Jamie Munro, who is currently in the third year of his apprenticeship with Macleod Roofing, spent his first year learning the ropes onsite before starting on his qualifications.  Jamie shared: “It made a huge difference having that hands-on experience before stepping into the college classroom. I could relate more to what the instructors were teaching me, and was able to visualise exactly what they were talking about.    “This is a tough trade, and not everyone can stick with it. But my experience with Macleod Roofing gave me a real advantage. I learned things early on that many of my classmates didn’t get to until much later in their education. It gave me insights into the job and helped me feel more confident about my future in the trade.”   So impressed were college lecturers by Jamie’s hands-on experience gained working as an apprentice at Macleod Roofing that he was selected as one of only two students to travel to Spain to visit a slate mine, and learn first-hand where the materials he uses day-to-day come from.   By supporting Barnardo’s Works, Macleod Roofing contributes to developing a skilled workforce that meets industry needs, ensuring a pipeline of qualified candidates for future job openings.   Patricia Anderson, employer liaison & SACO project coordinator at Barnardo’s, said: “Having this partnership with Macleod Roofing has been a valuable avenue for helping young people explore career opportunities in the construction sector.   “By offering site visits and hands-on work experiences, Sandy and Alan have played a key role in broadening the perception of the types of jobs available, beyond more well-known trades like joinery and brickwork. This is particularly important given the recruitment challenges many construction trades face given the wide range of roles within the industry.   “Our Access to Trades programme, along with SACO, are well-positioned to bridge that gap, especially by guiding new entrants towards apprenticeships and helping them see the broader potential within construction. It’s a project that supports both the industry and those facing barriers and challenges to accessing employment in the sector.”   Macleod Roofing has provided exceptional roofing services in the Highlands and the north of Scotland for over 30 years. Founded by Sandy Macleod, the firm provides a one-stop roofing service – bringing roofers, slaters, joiners, builders, plumbers and painters under the same umbrella. For more information, visit www.macleodroofing.co.uk.

One of the Highlands’ most respected roofing firms, Macleod Roofing, has deepened its commitment to giving back by supporting two vital healthcare initiatives at Raigmore Hospital’s Children’s Unit,  through a donation to The Archie Foundation.   This welcomed donation will be used to improve the experiences of young patients and their families – bringing comfort, dignity and a sense of calm during difficult times.   ​​The first part of this funding will go towards the purchase of a Bilicocoon Phototherapy Bag System – a gentler, blanket-style treatment for babies with jaundice. Unlike traditional phototherapy, where babies lie under bright lights in their cots and are often separated from parents during care, the Bilicocoon allows babies to be cuddled and fed while receiving treatment.    Sandy Macleod, managing director of Macleod Roofing, said: “We’re incredibly proud to support The Archie Foundation and help bring this kind of meaningful change to families across the Highlands. It’s a small shift that makes a big difference to families in those precious early days.   “No one wants to see a child in hospital, but if they are, we want to make sure their experience is as gentle and comforting as possible.”   The second project, currently in the early stages of planning, will see sky scene LED panels installed in Raigmore’s A&E Department. Designed to soften the clinical environment, these calming ceiling panels will help reduce stress and anxiety for children attending hospital, offering a more welcoming space in moments that can often feel overwhelming.   “We’ve been lucky to build a successful business here in the Highlands – and we’ve always believed in sharing that success in a way that matters,” added Sandy. “This is about doing something meaningful for the people who live and work alongside us. We’re proud to support The Archie Foundation in their incredible work – and proud that this donation will bring practical comfort and care to families across the Highlands.”   Macleod Roofing’s support for The Archie Foundation reflects its long-standing dedication to investing in local causes that matter – from charities and community groups to schools and sports clubs.    Mary Nimmo of Munro & Noble Solicitors and Archie Patron, commented “We are incredibly grateful to Sandy and Macleod Roofing for their generosity. They have continually supported our fundraising – often without having been asked.   “The Bilicocoon system will have such an incredible impact on families from day one, taking a very difficult and distressing experience and easing it immensely for parents who so desperately want to hold and comfort their child.   “This really is community spirit in action – and we’re delighted to have Sandy and his team by our side.”   Macleod Roofing has provided exceptional roofing services in the Highlands and the north of Scotland for over 30 years. Founded by Sandy Macleod, the firm provides a one-stop roofing service – bringing roofers, slaters, joiners, builders, plumbers and painters under the same umbrella.    For more information, visit www.macleodroofing.co.uk, or to learn more about the company’s community efforts, check out their community page. To learn more about The Archie Foundation and their work across the north of Scotland, visit www.archie.org.

A five-figure donation from the Highlands’ leading roofing company has provided a welcome boost for a charity supporting children and young people with severe, profound and multiple learning disabilities.   Macleod Roofing has donated £10,000 to the Elsie Normington Foundation’s upcoming Dragons’ Den fundraiser, set to take place on April 25, 2025. Following this commitment, the company is now calling on other local businesses to join them in supporting this impactful event, which aims to empower Highland charities and foster community development.   Elizabeth Mackintosh, who has been patron of the Foundation for three years, explained: “Next year we are holding a Dragon’s Den dinner, raising money not just for the Elsie Normington Foundation but also five local charities that might not otherwise have access to funding.   “Charities will have the opportunity to put their case forward to our panel of ‘Dragons’ who will decide how the money will be divided up.   “Macleod Roofing has kindly started this off with a very generous £10,000 donation. We are so grateful for their support, and hope that other businesses in the area will follow their example and support great local causes.” Sandy Macleod, managing director of Macleod Roofing, echoed Elizabeth’s sentiments, saying, “The work that the Elsie Normington Foundation does for people and families in the north of Scotland is extraordinary, so we are proud to support them in their mission to provide vital facilities in Inverness. Both Elizabeth and Elsie are true inspirations, dedicating their time and efforts to make a difference in our community. “At Macleod Roofing, we believe that supporting local charities not only strengthens the fabric of our community but also fosters a sense of connection and belonging. By investing in our neighbours, we can tackle the unique challenges we face together and create sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.  “For this reason, I’m calling on other local businesses to join the Elsie Normington Foundation in this important mission. When we come together to support local causes, we can amplify our efforts and drive meaningful change in the Highlands.” The Elsie Normington Foundation was founded 11 years ago by disability campaigner and author Elsie Normington, whose son Andrew was diagnosed with a severe and intractable form of epilepsy when he was just four years old.   Realising the need for specialist services and facilities for children and young people in similar situations, and their families, she spearheaded the construction of the Haven Centre in Smithton, just outside Inverness. Over the past ten years, Elsie and a team of dedicated trustees, staff and volunteers have raised over £4 million to turn this into a reality.   The Haven Centre is Scotland’s first multi-purpose centre for children and young people with severe learning disabilities, comprising a specialist play centre which is run by partners, SNAP, and includes sensory and art spaces. The Haven centre includes 3 respite suites for short breaks, overnight stays and emergency respite. The Haven Café, which is also situated on site, is open to all and provides teas, coffees, breakfast, lunches and delicious home baking.    Elsie Normington, Chair and Visionary of the Elsie Normington Foundation said “We decided to think out of the box to deliver a new fundraising event and came up with the Dragon’s Den format.     “This event will not only benefit the Elsie Normington Foundation but also other local charities, who will pitch to the dragons for a share of the prize pot.  Each charity taking part will receive a share of the prize pot.     “We are very excited to be launching this event and look forward to working with our sponsors and partners in the coming months to orchestrate an unforgettable event, which will not only provide a funding boost to the charities involved but also greater awareness of these fantastic local charities who do so much good in our local community.”   Macleod Roofing has provided exceptional roofing services in the Highlands and the north of Scotland for over 30 years. Founded by Sandy Macleod, the firm provides a one-stop roofing service – bringing roofers, slaters, joiners, builders, plumbers and painters under the same umbrella. For more information, visit www.macleodroofing.co.uk.   For more information about the Elsie Normington Foundation’s Dragons’ Charity Den, visit www.havencentre.org/dragons-charity-den-inverness and for information about the Haven Centre, visit www.havecentre.org.