Dave Thompson MSP

SKYE, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Dave Thompson is to visit an acclaimed respite care centre in the Cairngorms National Park on Friday to learn more about the work done there to improve the lives of some of society’s most disadvantaged members.

Mr Thompson will be greeted by Andrew MacKenzie, executive director of the Speyside Trust, which runs Badaguish, and will learn more about how money is raised to fund the centre. One of the trust’s most public fund-raising schemes is the annual Corrieairack Challenge, a gruelling triathlon race through the Monadhliath Mountains each summer and this year Mr Thompson was honoured to be asked to present the prizes as competitors reached the finish line at Kincraig.

Mr Thompson will arrive at Badaguish, five miles up the Cairngorm road from Aviemore, at 2.15pm this Friday and will spend approximately an hour at the centre, viewing proposals for the addition of new “teepee” style accommodation modules, shortly to be considered by National Park planners, and hearing of future development plans.

The visit is one of several appointments planned for Badenoch on Friday afternoon. Between 1pm and 1.45pm, Mr Thompson will hold an advice surgery for constituents at International Starters on Grampian Road, Aviemore, and following the visit to Badaguish, Mr Thompson will make other private visits to constituents and interested parties in the area.