Good causes get a kick out of Davie's football artwork

A Thurso oil worker's paintings of two Old Firm football legends – Henrik Larsson and Paul Gascoigne – have helped raise money for local charities.

Davie Greig, an electrical supervisor in the oil and gas industry, was encouraged by a friend to give painting a go a few years ago. The father-of-four had not done any artwork since his days in high school.

"With everything that has been going on with Covid-19 I wanted to try and do something positive and find a way of raising funds to help some local charities or organisations during these difficult times," he said.

"I painted a portrait of Henrik Larsson of Celtic, hoping the subject would create a bit of interest, and it went well – selling in no time."

The painting was raffled off using a football team scratchcard which, along with some additional donations, raised £435.

After contacting Thurso Community Development Trust for suggestions of worthy organisations, Davie split the money between two local groups helping out during the Covid-19 crisis – Caithness Foodbank and Thurso Community Café.

The budding artist followed that up with a painting of Paul Gascoigne of Rangers which also went well, filling the 80-team scratchcard in a matter of hours and raising £400.

This time the money raised went to Caithness Klics young carers and Pulteneytown People's Project. The organisations have been providing meals and services to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

Davie added: "I just wanted to say a massive thank-you to everyone who gave so generously."

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