Love is in the air for Islanders at Kyle Court

Iain Macfarlane, 63, from South Uist has been staying at Kyle Court every month for the past five years while he receives treatment for myeloma.

His partner Shona Macintyre, 47, travels with him and although they had both been talking about getting engaged and had picked out rings it came as a complete shock to her when he got down on bended knee and popped the question.

Shona explained: “We knew we were going to get engaged but I had no idea he was going to do it then. We hadn’t planned that part but I’m delighted that it happened at Kyle Court.

“The staff here have been so brilliant with us in all the times that we have stayed here, it really is like a home from home. They’re like family to us and we get to enjoy this moment with them.”

Shona revealed that the couple, who have been together for 10 years, will be having a double celebration as Iain, who has regularly attended Raigmore every month for the past five years has been told he doesn’t need to come back for two months.

She added: “He’s doing well so at his clinic this week we were told he doesn’t need to come back for about two months now. The staff at Raigmore have been fantastic as well. It’s been quite a week.”

The couple are planning to marry towards the end of the year but they would like the staff of Kyle Court to be involved in the celebration somehow.

Shona said: “I’m sure we will do something at Kyle Court. The staff have been behind us 100% the entire time, they’re just so lovely and we are so happy being here celebrating our engagement with them.”

Maggie Melrose, accommodation manager, is delighted for the couple who she agrees have become like family.

She said: “This is the first engagement we’ve ever had at Kyle Court. We were all very excited when we heard the news and all the staff here could not be happier for them.”

Pictured are Shona and Iain (sitting down) with the staff from Kyle Court Maggie Melrose, Angela Irvine, Linda Toland, Pauline Fairbairn and Pat Maclean.