More than £7,800 has been raised through a massed pipes and drums charity event for a north schoolboy who was seriously injured in a road accident.
Dylan Davidson, nine, wore his full Highland dress proudly when he appeared at the front of a march through Dornoch with his family in April.
Yesterday his parents, Jean and Kevin Davidson, thanked the organisers of the event – including a policeman who played a key role in the boy’s earlier life – and everyone who took part in the raffle on the night.
Sergeant Peter Allan helped deliver Dylan at the roadside in Caithness nearly a decade ago – and he was the first on the scene when the youngster was knocked down on his way home from school in November last year. He also pushed Dylan’s wheelchair during the parade.
Mr Davidson also praised event organiser Duncan MacDonald, a drum major with Beauly Firth and Glens Pipe Band, and the nine pipe bands which took part in the parade through the town’s Square.
Mr Davidson added: “The fundraiser means a great deal to us as a family as it means we can provide whatever Dylan needs throughout the rest of his rehabilitation.
“Before the school holidays he managed to go back to school full time – about three or four weeks before the holidays. He is also getting around the house much easier. He is still unsteady on his feet but is managing to get himself out in the garden and even kicking a football around”.
In a joint comment released yesterday, Sergeant Allan and Mr MacDonald said: “Particular thanks go to everyone who so generously gave prizes towards the raffle and donations to the family. To everyone that helped out on the day, to all the bands, individual pipers and drummers, to Stephen MackIntosh for the sound system and Martin Watssman for hosting the event on the night.
“To the public for their support and their generosity which has been absolutely outstanding and the amount raised is a direct reflection of this. Finally to Dylan, Jean, Kevin, Rosie and Liam for allowing us to complete this event on their behalf”.
A grand total of £7,807.28 was raised as a result of fundraising efforts.