Highland BlindCraft Beds is a social enterprise and charity based in Inverness, dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities through employment, training, and essential services. For over 140 years, they have handcrafted high-quality mattresses, beds, and headboards, providing meaningful work opportunities for people with disabilities while serving customers across Scotland and the UK.
In addition to their manufacturing, they operate Highland BlindCraft Sensory Services, with centres in Inverness, Stornoway, Wick, and Thurso. These centres provide vital support for people with sight loss, offering advice, equipment, and a welcoming community to help individuals live more independently. Every purchase from Highland BlindCraft directly supports their mission, ensuring they can continue to provide training, employment, and sensory services for those who need them most.
This March, Highland BlindCraft Beds and three other brilliant Highland charities received brand-new vehicles thanks to the incredible efforts of the Highland Cross. For Highland BlindCraft, this new van is more than just transport—its essential. Without it, they would not be able to offer a delivery service, which in turn means they could not employ two permanent team members or reach customers across Scotland without the expense of couriers.
The other charities that benefited are:
- Cantraybridge College – A further education college for young adults with learning disabilities, autism, or additional needs. Their new minibus ensures students can access vital training and development.
- Highland Disability Sport (HDS) – Their new minibus expands access to sporting opportunities for people with physical, learning, or sensory disabilities across the region.
- LArche Highland (celebrating their 50 years of service) – Providing supported living for adults with learning disabilities, they’ve received a new vehicle to improve the care and support they offer.
The Highland Cross is a unique 50-mile coast-to-coast endurance event held annually in the Scottish Highlands to raise money for local charities. Its a duathlon, combining a 20-mile run/walk through rugged Highland terrain followed by a 30-mile cycle to the west coast. Since its inception, the Highland Cross has raised upwards of 6 million pounds to support disabled and disadvantaged people, making a tangible difference to communities throughout the region.
Highland Cross has just celebrated their 40th anniversary; their committee is completely volunteer-led and receives no statutory funding. The effort they put in to raise money for local charities is phenomenal. This isn’t just about vehicles—its about giving people independence, opportunities, and the ability to keep doing what they do. The van donated to Highland Blindcraft took months to build and brand with the help of Hawco Inverness and Brandit Signright Highland.
Highland Blindcraft would like to extend a massive congratulations and heartfelt thank you to the Highland Cross committee, fundraisers, athletes, and supporters. Their dedication and hard work make an incredible difference, and Highland Blindcraft are eternally grateful for their support.