Charity anchor unveiled in Kirkwall

A specially designed anchor has gone on display alongside Foreland Road, Kirkwall, to help mark the 20th anniversary of Aberdeen-based charity Friends of ANCHOR.

One of 20 such pieces on show across the Grampian region, Orkney and Shetland, the Foreland Road anchor marks the charity’s 20 for 20 anchor voyage. This represents 20 years of support to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where the ANCHOR Unit provides care for cancer and haematology patients.

As well as supporting Friends of ANCHOR’s Dream Big appeal, this anniversary project is also providing a platform for the public, artists, sponsors, and partners to raise awareness of the charity.

Each anchor has been given its own individual design. Orkney’s anchor was designed by artist Katie Guthrie, who wanted to do what she could do to support patients cared for by the ANCHOR Unit. Katie’s aim was to create a piece of work that would inspire and uplift.

In support of the campaign, local company Andrew Sinclair Ltd. transported the anchor from Hatston and carried out the installation work, while Orkney Islands Council provided a site for the anchor beside the curved stone seating area alongside Foreland Road.

All 20 anchors will be on display until the end of October, and in November they will go to auction to bolster funds for the campaign.