This week marks Volunteers Week, a time to pause and celebrate those who generously give their time and energy to help others.
Among them are the passionate nature lovers and green fingered heroes whose efforts help make life better for so many.
At Inverness Botanic Gardens, volunteers can be found tending to this vibrant haven of colour and calm, ensuring it remains a beautiful place for visitors to enjoy.
They also support the GROW project, a vocational gardening programme for adults with additional support needs.
Carol Greer, one of the GROW volunteers, delights in the experience.
She explained that she is drawn by the social connections, the chance to learn new skills and, of course, plenty of fresh air.
“I love the social contact with the GROW gardeners and with fellow volunteers,” said Carol.
“I have met some wonderful and interesting people.
“Every day is a school day at the GROW project.
“I never knew about vegetable growing when I first started five years ago but I have learnt so much and find it endlessly fascinating and life enhancing.
“I simply love it here.”
For Uisdean McLennan, who volunteers at the Botanic Gardens, it is the chance to meet people and learn new skills that keeps him coming back.
“It is great to chat with people, both locals and visitors, many of whom are surprised to find botanic gardens this far north.
“It is absolutely beautiful in their eyes and mine,” he said.
“I enjoy increasing my knowledge and learning new skills, and there are so many interesting colleagues and staff.
“I also love the rewarding feeling of a job well done.”
Mary Russell may well be High Life Highland’s most travelled volunteer.
She flies in from the United States each summer to spend time at the Botanic Gardens.
“I have been volunteering here for two years now and I have to say, it is the best volunteering job I have ever had,” said Mary.
“I love working with beautiful plants and really enjoy the interaction with visitors.
“They are always so appreciative of what we do.
“I have made wonderful friends here, including a little robin that is really tame.
“It is such a joy being this close to nature.”
Nature is certainly never far away for those who volunteer with High Life Highland’s Countryside Rangers.
The Ranger Service relies on volunteers for everything from path maintenance and habitat monitoring to beach cleans and tackling invasive species.
For Chris, a volunteer in Strontian, it is about helping the community today and building skills for the future.
“I love being hands on and involved in practical tasks,” said Chris.
“I also really value training others so they understand what is involved in keeping our local path network safe and accessible for everyone.
“We have an older population in the village so it is important that the paths are kept in good condition so that everyone can feel safe and confident when out walking.”
Fellow volunteer Liz McLure shares that sense of purpose.
“These are beautiful walks but they do need some care to keep them safe for everyone to enjoy,” said Liz.
“I am always tired after digging culverts and clearing undergrowth but I always feel invigorated at the end of the day.”
Steve Walsh, Chief Executive of High Life Highland, paid tribute to the charity’s volunteers.
“Our sincere thanks to all our wonderful volunteers across the organisation,” he said.
“They play a vital role in helping us deliver so many activities.
“They truly are helping to make life better for people every single day.”
If you are interested in volunteering with High Life Highland, whether that is environmental work, archives, libraries or supporting sports or music, you are encouraged to get in touch with the relevant service.
