Tourism business pledges donation to mark HCU’s 10th anniversary
Highland tourism business, Cruise Loch Ness, has announced a year-long fundraising partnership with The Archie Foundation, with a percentage of every ticket being donated to the children’s charity.
Throughout 2026, 10p from every ticket sold will be donated to Archie, which supports children and their families across North Scotland when in a healthcare setting or during bereavement.
The partnership marks the 10-year anniversary of the Highland Children’s Unit (HCU) at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
Operating sightseeing boat trips from Fort Augustus on the southern shores of Loch Ness since 1968, Cruise Loch Ness welcomes around 150,000 visitors each year, making the initiative one of the company’s largest charitable commitments to date.
The business has supported Archie since 2018 through a variety of fundraising activities, including donating raffle prizes, attending events and fundraising.
The ticket donation scheme is the most significant fundraiser undertaken by Cruise Loch Ness for Archie.
Ronald MacKenzie, Managing Director at Cruise Loch Ness, said, “After hearing that 2026 marked 10 years of the Highland Children’s Unit, we knew we wanted to celebrate the milestone and support Archie’s incredible work. The idea of donating 10p from every ticket sold felt fitting – 1p for every year the unit has been making a difference in the lives of local children.
“As a business rooted in the Highlands, it is important to us to support a local cause that provides vital help to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. We are proud to continue our relationship with Archie and hope this fundraising initiative will make a real difference.”
Neil McGregor, Archie’s Regional Fundraising and Business Development Manager in the Highlands, said, “Cruise Loch Ness has been a valued supporter of Archie for a number of years and we are incredibly grateful for their continued support.
“This partnership is a fantastic way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the HCU. I encourage anyone local to the area or visiting to book onto a Cruise Loch Ness boat trip. Not only will you get to take in the amazing views, learn about the history of the region and maybe even spot Nessie, but you’ll also be supporting The Archie Foundation.”
Archie played a key role in the fundraising for the HCU, which opened in 2016. The charity raised £2 million to help fund the build of the unit and ensure the finishing touches to the interior were as welcoming as possible for young patients.
Since opening its doors, the HCU has supported thousands of babies, children and their families who have passed through the facility.
In addition to supporting the HCU, the charity has also funded specialist roles and projects at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and, more recently, Tayside Children’s Hospital in Dundee and Dr Gray’s Hospital, Elgin.
The ticket fundraising scheme will run from January to December 2026 and includes all ticket types and purchase locations.
Visit www.archie.org/getsupport/ for more information about the practical, financial and emotional support available from The Archie Foundation. Visit www.cruiselochness.com/ to support Archie by booking a boat tour of Loch Ness.