Grim Scrabster play park in need of funds
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A Scrabster mum is desperate to raise funds to rebuild the neglected community play park in her village.
A GoFundMe page has recently been set up by concerned mum of two, Sarajane Paterson, called "Help our community rebuild our swing park" and though it has already raised £360 there is a long way to go to hit the goal of £50,000.
"Unfortunately due to a lack of funding and time, the Highland Council is unable to help us with our request for a new play park for the children of Scrabster," said Sarajane who has a 13-month-old baby boy called Aebyn and a daughter aged eight called Alyssa.
"A total of 40 children reside here in the community, having only a broken/fenced off slide, a swing and a baby swing (all of which have been there for 30+ years) to play on. The items we do have left are derelict due to age and neglect."
Sarajane claims that the council suggested she use facilities available at Burnside but said that trudging over a mile uphill and along the A9 with small kids is "really not ideal" and especially for parents who don’t drive.
"The residents here in Scrabster range from teeny tiny infants, to those well into their 80’s – many of them spending their whole lives here. I myself grew up here and have many fond memories playing in the local village play park," she said.
"Along with other neighbours that grew up here, we often reminisce of our childhood in the village and the great times we had as children. We want the same childhood fun and memories for our own children."
Sarajane says she is absolutely determined to keep raising funds to hit the eventual £50K goal even if it takes some time.
"Why should our children suffer at the hands of the Highland Council and their utter negligence," she added.
On her funding page she states: "We are asking for help, for the sake of our community and the children that live here. Can you spare a donation to help us on our journey for a new play park?
"No matter how big or small, help is help and we are extremely grateful for any help/support you can give us."
Sarajane's GoFundMe page for donations can be found at https://gofund.me/3222b202
