Dave Thompson MSP

A morning gathering at a Highland MSP's regional office for coffee and cakes helped to boost a national cancer charity's effort to raise £8 million to fund research and support for sufferers and their families.

Dave Thompson, MSP for the Highlands and Islands, took time out of his busy schedule to welcome supporters and staff from neighbouring offices to Thorfin House in Dingwall on Friday with a cup of coffee and a selection of home baking.

The event was one of hundreds across the country held as part of The World's Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, which last year raised £7.9 million through hundreds of small coffee moorings, including £100 contributed by Mr Thompson's previous event at Thorfin House.

This year the charity was keen to break the £8 million mark so Mr Thompson was eager to increase the contribution from his coffee morning.

Therefore more invitations were issued this year and, in addition to being encouraged to make a donation, those who attended were asked to guess the name of a cuddly snow leopard toy. This was won by bookkeeper Louise Monaghan of Moats but many neighbouring businesses also made donations to take the total raised so far to £168.41, with further pledges still arriving from those who could not attend.

"I was pleased to see so many people come along for this very good cause," Mr Thompson said. "It was great to meet everyone and once again I am very pleased to have been given the support of Ross-shire Voluntary Action, who share Thorfin House and made the boardroom available for the gathering.

"As someone who lost his own mother to cancer at a very young age, this cause is close to my heart so I was delighted once again to do my bit to help Macmillan reach their target."