Inverness Victorian Market memorial bench to Caithness man Adam Higgins unveiled in collaboration with Highland mental health charity Mikeysline
A moving memorial to a “well loved” and much missed Highland man has been installed in Inverness as a lasting tribute to him.
The new tribute bench, which was installed in collaboration with the charity Mikeysline, has been placed inside the popular Victorian Market to give passers-by the chance to rest physically and mentally.
The bench honours Caithness man Adam Higgins, who passed away last summer and was a talented pool player living in the Highland capital.
Mikeysline community volunteer, Bobby Sahota, came up with the idea in remembrance of his friend whom he met as part of the Gavin Phillips Highland Pool Tour. He hopes those passing by will take comfort from it.
Bob said: “Adam was just so nice and welcoming when I first moved to the area - he lived and breathed pool and was so well liked, so well loved.
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“No-one teaches you how you’re supposed to process grief, so I immediately wanted to do something to symbolise him and have somewhere where all the people who knew him can come and connect with him.
“I thought if I can get input from some of those closest to him and make it meaningful for everyone it would mean that little bit more.”
“It’s a place for people to take a moment and just be. I’d like to say a huge thank you to Iain at Chainsaw Creations for making such a beautiful bench, Dale Royle and Tony of Tarradale Home Improvements for collecting and assembling the bench. To Cameron Macfarlane of The Victorian Market for providing the perfect space to place the bench, and to Mikeysline for being part of this collaboration.”
The intricate design features symbols reflective of Adam’s life, loves and family, adorned with daisies, otters, billiard balls and a bee in support of Mikeysline.
Bob’s employer, London-based strategy firm Highgate, has also chosen Mikeysline as their nominated charity this year, bringing a boost to the fundraising needed to provide their lifeline services throughout the Highlands, Islands and Moray.
Mikeysline CEO, Emily Stokes, said: “Adam’s bench is a wonderful legacy to a man who was clearly cherished by so many, and we are incredibly grateful to our volunteer, Bob, for including Mikeysline in this meaningful gift to the community. We hope it will encourage residents and visitors to use it as a place to stop and reflect should they need to.
“We’d also like to say a huge thank you to Highgate for choosing to support Mikeysline throughout 2025. As a grassroots charity, fundraising is vital to our local provision and this generosity will ensure we can reach even more of those in emotional distress and/or experiencing thoughts of suicide.”
Mikeysline provides support for anyone suffering mental health difficulties or suicidal thoughts via its text service on 07786 20 77 55 from Sunday to Thursday, 6-10pm and Friday-Saturday 7pm-7am, and can also be contacted via Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Webchat, as well as in person at their Hives across the regions. These can be found in Inverness Alness, Nairn, Tain, Thurso and Elgin.
At those hubs, people can engage in one-to-one support, or at some venues join in group sessions for adults, men, families and young people.