SSE's tribute to 'amazing woman'
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A power company has paid a touching tribute to a North Coast community stalwart who died in October last year.
SSE has established a new fund in memory of Janette Mackay of Strathy, who served the area for decades as a teacher, community council chairwoman and keen supporter of traditional music.
The fund reflects her passion for music with £5000 available every year to young musicians under the age of 21 residing in the community council areas of Strathy and Armadale, Melvich and Bettyhill, Strathnaver and Altnaharra.
The funding is to pay for the costs of equipment, travel and tuition to further their musical training.
An SSE spokeswoman said: “SSE Renewables Community Benefit funding is distributed via panels with local people makinbg the decisions on what projects most benefit their area.
“Janette Mackay volunteered for the SSE Renewables Strathy North Panel for a number of years.
“After her passing, the other members of the panel felt strongly that her legacy should be marked.”
The new fund was fittingly launched at a concert in Strathy Hall, which marked the end of Feis Air An Oir’s week of musical tuition.
Announcing the fund at the concert, Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis said: “Janette was an amazing woman who needs no introduction to anyone in this room.
“She was an absolute force of nature and someone with great vision and amazing energy that I have never seen in anyone else.”
For details on the fund, email: Fiona.morrison@sse.com
