The essential resurfacing works were planned at the hospice in Denny, near Falkirk, to ensure sufficient parking and access to the specialist palliative and end of life care services, which they have been expertly providing since 1981. A few days before works was due to begin the charity's chief executive Irene McKie took a call from Tillicoultry Quarries’ director Wallace Menzies about a delivery of tarmac being supplied by them later that week.
“Wallace didn’t initially know the order was for us as it was ordered through the company undertaking the works, but when he heard it was for Strathcarron Hospice, he offered a donation towards the cost of the material and asked if some of his team could come and take a look at the works for themselves," said McKie. "After the work was complete, managing director Ian Menzies and area manager Russell Sinnott from Tillicoultry Quarries visited with a donation of the full cost of the materials, which was a wonderful surprise.”
For Strathcarron donations (such as the £15,688 sum from Tillicoultry Quarries) have become very important as many vital sources of funding or fundraising activities are no longer possible due to COVID-19 restrictions. Daily costs to support all patients, both at the hospice and in the local communities, amount to over £13,000 each day.
Founded in 1931, Tillicoultry Quarries has a history of community engagement and support for local causes, from charitable donations to boosting local employability, using locally sourced labour, materials and goods or encouraging its employees to make positive contributions to the community.
The company has 15 sites across Central Scotland, the largest site being Northfield based in Denny with other sites based in locations such as Harthill, Tillicoultry, Peebles and North Ayrshire. Its community engagement programme also includes charitable donations to a variety of worthy causes such as Action for Children and Bowel Cancer UK, alongside the support of local groups, sponsorship and fundraising for events and galas.
Tillicoultry Quarries director Menzies commented: “We are a family business and our roots are instilled in the local communities we work and live in through ongoing activities, in terms of funding, employment and support of local charities, businesses and community groups. With all the difficulties and hardships faced by so many in recent months, it has never been more essential for us to do everything we can to support the communities we serve."
