Cycle event just the start of Ledingham Chalmers' support for Avoch Amenities Association

The law firm behind a 51-mile cycle round the Black Isle, which raised over £1,000 to help develop world-class sports facilities for the local community, has said today it plans to build on the event’s success next year.

Ledingham Chalmers, which has offices in Inverness, Aberdeen, Stirling and Edinburgh, organised the Spanish-themed Vuelta de Isla Negra - translated as ‘cycle round the Black Isle,’ which took place on Friday, 15 September.

The ride saw cyclists from the north and north east of Scotland business communities come together to raise funds for the first phase in the £300,000 re-development of Avoch Amenities Association’s (AAA) existing facilities, which was granted planning permission by Highland Council earlier this month.

The three-phase project is estimated to cost round £300,000, and will see the construction of first-rate facilities on the existing site in the harbour village, with the £150,000 first phase due for completion in spring 2018.

This comprises the development of a new tennis court and multi-use sports facilities for activities such as football, basketball and hockey.

Before the event, £17,000 had been secured, with the total now sitting at £18,000, while additional grant applications are underway.

The fundraising efforts are especially poignant, as the re-development was the brainchild of AAA chair George Jack, who tragically died following a road accident at New Year.

Inverness-based Ledingham Chalmers senior associate Roddy Cormack came up with the idea for the cycle as a fitting way to help move the AAA project along in memory of Mr Jack, his brother-in-law.

He said: “It was great to be involved in an event where a local community and the business sector could come together for a fun event for a good cause.

“The ride seems to have created a bit of a buzz among both residents of the Black Isle and business people from further afield.

“We are looking at holding a similar - perhaps bigger - ride next year to build on last week’s success.

“I would especially like to thank William Gray Construction for assistance in setting out the course and for acting as sweep vehicle on the day – this helped hugely with the logistics, and was much appreciated.”

Jillian Jack, AAA chair, said: “This project really is about creating a lasting sporting legacy that we can all be proud of for Avoch and the wider community.

“We have a way to go in terms of reaching our fundraising target, but we really appreciate all the donations made on the back of last week’s event.

“We are considering putting the money raised towards the purchase of a marquee that we can then use to put on bigger fundraising projects in the future.”

Four representatives from Ledingham Chalmers took part: partner John Smart and personal assistant Adele MacIver from the Inverness office; with partner David Scott and senior associate Veli-Matti Raikkonen from the Aberdeen team.

Donate through www.justgiving.com/avochamenitiesassociation.