Aurrida’s call for help to “grow” funds for a polytunnel are answered

The community spirit in Orkney has been praised by those behind a fundraising effort for a polytunnel at Aurrida House in Kirkwall. 

Generous donators have been keen to support the “growth” in confidence and outdoor experiences of the children and young people at Aurrida through the creation of a wheelchair-accessible polytunnel within the grounds of the facility in Kirkwall. 

Aurrida House provides a flexible short break service for children and young people with a learning disability and/or additional support needs. 

Cooke Aquaculture Scotland, one of the leading producers of Scottish salmon, and the largest producer of organic Scottish salmon, donated £8,000 towards to the cost of the project.  

Robert Peterson, Orkney Area Manager at Cooke Aquaculture Scotland, said: “As a family-owned company we care about supporting the communities we live and operate in. Cooke Aquaculture Scotland’s Community Benefit Fund exists to support a variety of local-led events, activities, and community projects throughout the UK. We are thrilled to fund the Aurrida House polytunnel project to support the wellbeing of the children and young people. 

“Cooke’s core purpose is to cultivate the ocean with care, nourish the world, provide for our families, and build stronger communities.” 

The Ronald Slater Charitable Trust, The Robertson Ness Trust, Certas- Scottish Fuels have provided support of between £1,000-1,500 each. Materials have kindly been donated by Keith Foubister in Deerness, Rodney Hume in Holm, MacGregors, Aggregates and HIS with other businesses supplying materials at a reduced cost. In all, around £11,500 has been raised. 

A generous donation was made by a family in the county whose daughter, Abbie Jackson, benefited from respite at Aurrida from the age of two until her sad passing in November 2023, at the age of 23. Abbie’s parents, Karen and Dave, and brother Scott, generously decided that donations raised in Abbie’s memory at the funeral would be gifted to Aurrida’s Comfort Fund. St Colms have been asked to build the furniture to go outside the polytunnel and furniture for inside will also be purchased. 

The polytunnel will enable the young people, supported by staff, to enjoy year-round gardening, which is known to be beneficial for people’s wellbeing, physical and mental health. 

Senior Social Care Worker at Aurrida, Sarah Muir, explained that visits to the Balfour’s polytunnel had planted the seed. 

"It was during these visits that we observed the children’s positive reactions. We could see them visibly calming and relaxing in the warmth of the space.” 

The children and young people at Aurrida have already had an introduction to gardening but this is set to grow with the new polytunnel in place. 

“We have been busy sowing seeds, growing seedlings and vegetables, planting strawberry plants as well as edible plants and herbs in tubs and containers. Last summer the children picked their own carrots and were able to follow the process from garden to table which in turn encouraged the children to take an interest in their food, even trying new things – something that can be very tricky for children with sometimes very complex needs.” 

Staff have also found the physical element to be greatly beneficial. 

“The polytunnel will allow us to still get outside and enjoy gardening while under cover – something that is a necessity here in Orkney, especially during the winter months! Thanks to all the money raised we have been able to add an irrigation system to the plan, and the purchase of gardening tools, plants and seeds. 

“The community spirit has been heartwarming, and we are very grateful to all who have donated in any way to help make this dream become a reality. The new and improved garden area will benefit many more children and young people, and staff, for years to come.” 

Builder, Martin Wick, is installing the polytunnel and it is planned to have an official opening to coincide with the Aurrida Summer Fair event in June. 

There will be lots of fun at the fair, with plans for birds of prey, a gymnastics display, live music, stalls, a raffle, hot food. More details will be shared near the time.