Rhianna sees hotel sign turn red to mark World Encephalitis Day
A Caithness hotel has helped a local family to shine a light on a debilitating illness.
Rhianna Urquhart, from Thurso, fell ill with a rare form of encephalitis in 2016 and only came home from hospital at the start of the first lockdown in March last year.
World Encephalitis Day is marked on February 22 each year to raise awareness of the condition.
The Encephalitis Society's #RED4WED campaign sees world landmarks, such as Niagara Falls, illuminated in red – and Rhianna's mum, Heather Urquhart, had the idea of asking the Pentland Hotel to join in with the global initiative.
"It was difficult given the current Covid restrictions," said Rhianna (21). "But mum hit on the idea of asking the Pentland Hotel when she saw their new coloured sign.
"She contacted them and immediately the owner, Andrew Mackay, agreed to light their sign red for the day.
"It may not be as spectacular as Niagara Falls but we managed the most northerly lit landmark in the UK! We're delighted the Pentland were able to help us, especially as they are closed at the moment."
Rhianna became ill in November 2016 with a rare form of encephalitis where her own body's immune system attacked her brain. After treatment in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow she finally got home to Thurso in March 2020.
The effects of encephalitis can be devastating and sufferers can be left with physical disability, memory loss, fatigue, anxiety, confusion and seizures.
Research has indicated that 78 per cent of adults have never heard of encephalitis. The Encephalitis Society's website is www.encephalitis.info
Andrew Mackay said: "We were delighted to help Heather and Rhianna to raise awareness of encephalitis. They've had a tough time of it so we are happy to help in any way we can.
"The sign has been refurbished recently and it gives us a facility to do any colour of the rainbow, pretty much. We'd be happy to help raise awareness of any good cause like that."