03/09/2026
For four and half years, I worked as Chaplain in Yorkhill Hospital. Families arrived, often unsure of what lay ahead for them but they were surrounded by colour which certainly raised the spirits of the children. Walls were painted brightly and decorated with all sorts of characters from the children's world.
What struck me the first time I walked into Succoth was the colourless walls. It looked depressing. Now imagine being ill, maybe suffering from depression and being surrounded by those colourless walls. Need I say more?
Research has shown that patients who are physically ill and look out on a garden or on greenery will recover quicker than those look our at concrete walls.
Patients in Lochgilphead are fortunate that they are surrounded by greenery, as are we all, but as a committee, we felt we wanted to brighten up the walls in the ward.
Well, a number of months back, an artist called Alan Black gifted us several of his prints to add a flash of colour to the ward. We were able to hang them in the two interview rooms which are used by patients, families and staff. We were also able to hang a larger one in the staff room to show the staff that we care about their environment as well.
As a committee, we are so grateful to Alan Black for his generosity. The prints make such a difference to the otherwise colourless walls. They are beautiful.
The feedback from staff and patients has been really positive so, if you are reading this, Alan, know that everyone appreciates your kindness. The space is now a little bit more inviting.
To everyone who supports us so that we can improve the quality of life for the patients, know how much it is appreciated.
Below you can see some of the prints in situ.
