Butterfly ballads at memorial event in Wick
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A MOVING spectacle in the garden of Wick's Norseman Hotel on Sunday saw the release of colourful butterflies at a special memorial for babies who had passed away.
Musicians played moving ballads, and sonnets were read by Thurso councillor Struan Mackie and hotel owner Andrew Mackay, all of which were perfectly fitting for the occasion.
Tracey Ann McGeachin and Christine McIlroy, from the Caithness branch of Simpson’s Memory Box Appeal (Simba), orchestrated the event for the families affected by the death of a baby.
Tracey Ann said that the community spirit and support on the day was "absolutely fantastic" and that the charity was thankful for all the local support it received.
"The butterflies we release are in memory of babies who die during pregnancy or shortly after and the people gathered here today are commemorating them," she added.
After a series of readings and songs, more than 40 painted lady butterflies were released from triangular boxes and took to the air, symbolising a child’s spirit soaring to the heavens. Each painted lady had been couriered north in the boxes that were chilled to keep them in a state of semi-hibernation.
Hundreds of Simba butterflies have been released into the wild, adding to the indigenous populations. The butterflies are raised in captivity in a sanitary environment so they are free from diseases that can often affect their colonies.
Next year the charity will move to another site to release their butterflies beside a special designed Tree of Tranquillity.
More information on Simba can be found here.
The charity can also be contacted by phone on 01368 860141 or by email: caithnesssimbacharity@gmail.com
