The work of a charity that supports people to be heard and have rights upheld has been recognised with a Royal Garden Party invitation to its leading members and families.

Representatives from Advocacy Western Isles expressed feeling honoured to attend the Royal Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh yesterday, Tuesday 30 June.

Chief Executive Ian MacRae attended the event with his wife, Chrissie MacRae, alongside Board member Alex John Murray and his son, Alex Murdo Murray. The annual Royal Garden Party brings together people from across Scotland who have contributed to their communities and public life.

Speaking after the event, Chief Executive, Ian MacRae said: “It was a real privilege to be invited to attend the Royal Garden Party and to represent Advocacy Western Isles on such a special occasion. It was a lovely day and a memorable experience for all of us, made even more so by sharing it with other invitees from the Western Isles. Most importantly, the invitation is a wonderful recognition of the charity’s work and of the dedication of our staff, Board, supporters and the people across the Western Isles who trust us to stand alongside them.”

The invitation comes hot on the heels of further national recognition for Advocacy Western Isles, which was recently named as a finalist in the Charity of the Year (medium sized) category at the SCVO Scottish Charity Awards 2026.

Advocacy Western Isles provides free, independent advocacy across the islands, supporting people to have their voices heard, their rights respected and their views included in decisions affecting their lives. The charity’s recent recognition reflects the importance of independent advocacy in island communities and the positive impact of its work across the Western Isles.

For more information about the work of Advocacy Western Isles or to make a referral, please contact 01851 701755 or visit www.advocacywi.co.uk.