Midge Biters praise big hearted islanders for their support
19 June 2024
Some 111 bikes and trikes took to the road from Stornoway to Leverburgh for the annual
Midge Biters charity ride-out at the weekend.
All profits from this year’s two-day rally are being donated to Western Isles Association
for Mental Health (WIAMH).
“Its a brilliant charity,” providing a vital service locally, highlights Louis Morrison, one of the volunteer stalwarts behind the Midge Biters phenomenon.
“I didn't know much about the charity until I spent an afternoon with them which was an eye opener because it’s a service that's really needed on this island.
“Part of the Midge Biters event is that we want to pick a charity that's island based so the money stays in the islands.
“WIAMH are really struggling financially just now, looking for thousands of pounds of funding. We're hoping to raise a few thousand to help them out.
“They do so much” he highlighted, reflecting on his recent visit to their support service at Catch 23 in Stornoway.
“There was a great atmosphere in the place. People associate mental health with depression and sadness yet it was a happy place. Obviously, some people are going through a very, very hard time and they're there to support them.
“The vast majority of the public don't realise just what they're doing. So every penny we can raise will help.”
Since the pandemic “things have become so bad for a lot of people. It's a service that is really needed and should be funded a lot better.”
With the rally deemed a success, “we are grateful for anything we can raise. Hopefully, we will raise a few thousand for them.”
Organisers say they are extremely fortunate to have the goodwill of Stornoway Golf Club, with the use of their premises, general assistance, and even grass cutting skills for clearing ground provided by Stornoway Trust to create a temporary camp site for the many bikers who travel from afar.
“Iain Macdonald, the golf club manager, has been absolutely fantastic. He and his staff are wonderful.
“I attend a lot of mainland rallies, and facility wise there nothing to beat this. Some mainland bike clubs do rideouts but they might only get a dozen bikes.
“We had 111 bikes and it's a great atmosphere; there’s no trouble, no hassle.”
Before teeing off on Saturday, many golfers mingled with the bikers and donated cash to their cause.
“Between the public, bikers and golfers, people contributed a lot of money. The weather was beautiful which brought a lot of people out as well. It was a fantastic crowd and a lot of people get a lot of pleasure out of it.
“We're very grateful to the police, the council, the Stornoway Trust for helping us.”
“It’s a wonderful atmosphere” with spectators enjoying it as well.
The money raised comes from the bikers’ registration entry fee, sales of wristbands and rally badges, raffles and (collecting) cans for loose change in the golf club.
Takings were boosted with two nights of musical entertainment from the Broken Ravens, Martin Fleet and Uncle Eathan.
“These are bands that are really very musically talented.
“Which is another thing unique to this island and rallies, the bands play for nothing.”
At many rallies the organisers bear a great financial risk - “not just hundreds but
thousands for band fees while we get it for free” thanks to the musicians’ generosity.
“The goodwill we receive from the people of Stornoway is fantastic,” he emphasised.
“When we set this up we had no money and not much idea either.
“But help we got from local businesses, and Iain in the golf club and his staff have been absolutely amazing.
“This is all about getting money for the Western Health Mental Health Association. The charity is important and that's what we are all about.”
Ready for the off: Louis Morrison revving up on the right
