Only six days to go until our 2025 Ball, and this year IHB is proud to help support the work of the Puffin Pool, and IHB will make a donation from the proceeds of the raffle at our ball on 29 March 2025, to help support the work of this valuable asset within the Highlands and Islands. Below is an outline of this charity, its aims and ambitions.

The Puffin Pool began as an idea by interested clinicians working with arthritis patients in the Highlands.  The Highland Rheumatology Unit had developed from a house built in Strathpeffer Spa with charity funds raised by Victorian patrons to accommodate poor patients who could not afford to stay in the hotels.  The Nicolson MacKenzie Hospital had experienced medical and nursing staff and specialist physiotherapy which provided valuable assessment and treatment to Highland arthritis sufferers, particularly those living in the islands and remoter mainland villages where specialist treatment was hard to access.  By the late 1980's it badly needed a more modern facility and the opportunity arose to relocate the Unit to the former Peterkin Maternity Unit at the Ross Memorial Hospital in Dingwall.  This meant that the dedicated/specialist staff could offer intensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy combined with specialist nursing and medical input with access to the newer arthritis drugs. It was appreciated that hydrotherapy should be part of the physiotherapy armamentarium but lack of NHS funds seemed to preclude provision of a heated pool.

Hydrotherapy

Physiotherapy is helpful for a variety of physical problems, particularly arthritic and neurological ones. Recovering movement in stiff or painful limbs and backs is possible with individualised exercise programmes. Hydrotherapy complements regular physiotherapy as the buoyancy and heat of the water eases pain and allows a freer range of movement. The pool temperature is 34.5 degrees, which is warmer than a leisure pool and helps relax tight and aching muscles.

​Hydrotherapy is recommended by doctors and physiotherapists to speed up rehabilitation after injuries and operations and as part of self-care for painful long term conditions. Adults and children with arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, stroke, cerebral palsy and other forms of handicap and disability can benefit. Recovery from accidents or operations can be made easier.

​The Puffin Pool is designed and built around the needs of its users. With dedicated parking, wheelchair friendly access and warm and accessible changing rooms, the facility is supervised by qualified Supervisors and lifeguards to ensure a warm welcome and  enjoyable experience. Users with severe disabilities can attend with carers. We can take users of all ages and all severity of disability.


Puffin Pool

The Puffin Hydrotherapy Pool
Ferry Road
Dingwall
IV15 9QS
Scottish Registered Charity SC017786
Scottish Limited Company SC133596