At Innes & Mackay, we are immensely proud to celebrate a significant milestone this year – 150 years of serving the wonderful Highland community! Since 1874, we have been deeply rooted in the fabric of this region, supporting local families, individuals, and businesses with our services. 

As a community-driven firm, we’ve always sought ways to engage with and contribute to the vibrant life of the Highlands. Whether through sponsorship of local events, support for charitable causes, or simply offering a helping hand, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in the region we call home.

We want to give back to the community that has supported us for so long, which is why we’re so excited to announce our creative writing competition for local schools!

Inspiring the next generation of creatives

We believe that creativity is at the core of what makes a community thrive, and there’s no better way to support this than by encouraging the next generation to express their ideas and imagination.

At Innes & Mackay, we understand that creativity isn’t just for artists and writers – it’s a vital skill in every aspect of life, including business. If we’re drafting legal documents, helping clients navigate complex property transactions, or marketing homes, creativity plays a crucial role in finding innovative solutions and delivering exceptional service to our customers.

The theme of our competition is “New Home.”

We’re inviting primary and secondary pupils across the Highlands to write a short story or poem exploring what home means to them. 

For our youngest participants in nursery, we’re offering a fun and creative challenge: design a welcome card for someone moving into a new home. It’s a wonderful way for them to explore their artistic talents and learn about the importance of making others feel welcome.

We believe that creativity should be celebrated, and so we’re thrilled to offer some fantastic prizes for our competition winners. 

The schools of the primary and secondary winners will receive £500, and the winners will each receive a £100 book voucher, and a copy of our limited edition 150th anniversary book –  featuring their work! Four runners-up will also receive a £25 book voucher and a copy of our book!

The nursery of the winner will receive £500, and the winner will receive a £100 Smyths Toys voucher, and a copy of their card signed by everyone in the Innes & Mackay office, plus a pack of 10 cards! Four runners-up will also receive a £25 Smyths Toys voucher! The card will also be given to all new homeowners supported by Innes & Mackay. 

Join us in the celebration

This competition isn’t just about celebrating our 150th anniversary; it’s about celebrating the creativity and spirit of the Highland community. We’re inviting all students to take part and share their unique vision of what a new home means to them. 

The deadline for entries is 10th October, and winners will be announced after the October holidays. 

Full entry information has been sent to every primary and secondary school, and nursery, in the Highlands – please speak to your class teacher for more information. We can’t wait to read everyone’s stories and see their artwork! 

You don’t have to enter through your school – you can enter at home. Just remember to include your name, age, school year and school in your entry!

Terms & Conditions

• Entry is open to primary, secondary and nursery pupils in the Highlands. One entry per person. Entries must be received by email to innesmackaycomp@gmail.com by October 10, 2024 at 5pm.
• Winners will be selected by a panel of judges. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
• By entering this competition, you provide Innes & Mackay permission to reproduce your entry, name, age, school year and school, in perpetuity, with no compensation, in print, digital or audio formats.
• No purchase is necessary. If stated prizes are unavailable, a prize of a similar value will be provided. Prizes are non-transferable and there are no cash alternatives.
• This competition is promoted by Innes & Mackay, Kintail House, Beechwood Business Park, Inverness, IV2 3BW.