A significant moment for The Peedie Retreat took place on the evening of Monday 24 August, when supporters, partners and well-wishers gathered together to celebrate the 'first dig' for the retreat. This was the moment when the traditional first shovel was put in the ground, starting the process of construction.
The Peedie Retreat, when completed, will provide a beautiful space for people with cancer, Multiple Sclerosis and Motor Neurone Disease to build and share memories with their friends and family. It will provide respite for many in one of Orkney’s most beautiful spots.
Orkney has taken the idea of the Retreat to its heart and many people and organisations have donated funds and pledged services over the last four years, which has now got the charity to the point where they can undertake the phase to build the Peedie Retreat.
The weather was incredibly kind, with warmth and wall to wall sunshine to greet everybody, reflecting the warmth and smiles of everyone who was there. Lorraine Kelly wielded the digger controls to remove the first bucket of earth to huge applause.
Clare Gee, Development Senior Manger at Voluntary Action Orkney (VAO) said:
VAO have been there since the beginning, initially supporting with the drafting of a constitution for the charity and submitting the application to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) which saw The Peedie Retreat registered as a SCIO. In the last few years VAO has remained as a source of advice and support as the charity has fundraised, navigated governance and legal requirements and developed to this milestone point in its history. I was delighted to represent VAO at the 'First Dig' and wish The Peedie Retreat huge success in the next phase of its development.
