Strathcarron Hospice 45th Anniversary Sapphire Ball

Strathcarron Hospice have been caring for local people and their families for 45 years, we couldn't have done this without the generous support of local businesses who continue to help us fund our vital services.

Join us, and other local businesses who support us on Friday 6th November, at the newly renovated Apex Dunblane Hydro Hotel for a spectacular evening of fundraising, hosted by the renowned Dougie Vipond.

Enjoy a sparkling welcome drink reception, exquisite three-course dinner and first-class live entertainment from local power-house VH5 in stunning surroundings. Guests will also have the chance to take part in our raffle and auction, with a selection of extraordinary prizes to be won.

We can’t wait to welcome you to what promises to be an unforgettable night in support of continuing to make every moment count.

Discounted rates on rooms are available to attendees.

For table reservations and enquiries please contact [email protected]

Please note: tables sit a maximum of 10.

We are grateful to our sponsors Allied International and AIIR Environmental for helping make this event possible.

Your evening's host, Dougie Vipond

For over 25 years, Dougie has been one of the most ‘well kent’ faces on television in Scotland. His broadcast career has spread across many genres from Sport to Rural Affairs and much more besides. For the BBC’s sport department, Dougie has presented from The Rugby World Cup, The European Curling Championships, World Bowls Championship, numerous Mountain Bike World Cups and even The European Sheepdog Trials! Dougie was part of the BBC presenting team hosting live coverage of the Commonwealth Games from Glasgow. Dougie is currently presenter of rugby output for Premier Sports and has also hosted athletics for Channel 5 and International Bowls for Sky Sports. A lover of all things outdoors, Dougie became the main presenter of BBC’s award-winning rural affairs magazine show, Landward in 2009. For The Adventure Show, he’s presented and taken part in many wild events, including The Braveheart Triathlon, said to be one of the UK’s toughest – a 1.2 mile open water swim, 56 miles on a bike then a half marathon up and down Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. The whole journey, from standing start to stuttering finish, was documented by the programme. Scotland is home to some of the finest food and drink producers on the planet and to celebrate that, in 2019 Dougie teamed up with Michelin Star Chef, Nick Nairn to present The Great Food Guys for the BBC. In 2022, Dougie was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of The Royal Scottish Geographical Society and two years later, The University of Stirling bestowed Dougie with an Honorary Doctorate.

In between all of that, he still finds time to indulge in his passion…music!

Dougie is also the drummer and founding member of Deacon Blue. With worldwide sales now in excess of seven million albums – including seven albums in the UK Top Five and 17 singles in the UK Top 40 – the band is back with another reason to believe. In 2025, they released their 11th studio album, The Great Western Road, which went straight into the UK Album Charts at number 2.

Your evenings entertainment, VH5

Your go-to 4-piece powerhouse bringing the ultimate live music experience!

Most bands perform from the stage. VH5's frontman Steffan performs from wherever the party is, and more often than not, that's right in the middle of the dance floor. Steffan is a dedicated vocalist with a voice reviewers call "world class," but what sets him apart is the sheer confidence and showmanship he brings to every room. Behind him, guitar, bass, and drums deliver a tight, polished sound that punches well above what you'd expect from a four-piece. Together they lock into everything from Stevie Wonder to Sam Fender without missing a beat.

From chart-topping pop hits to classic rock anthems, VH5 delivers iconic tunes from every decade and every genre.

Energy? Electric! Vibes? Unmatched!