Caitlin and Kirsty were matched to produce a piece of artwork which explored a health condition. Over the past 11 weeks, patterns, symbols and nature have been looked at to express strength in a battle against Anorexia.

Artist: Kirsty Seymour

Collaborator: Caitlin Mackay

Caitlin and Kirsty met a number of times to discuss meaningful plants which can be found around Caithness. In the end they each chose flowers connected to Caitlin’s story to create a message of strength, resilience and hope in the artwork. Caitlin’s love of photography, and her Ukrainian bulldog Harvey were also included in the print.

Within the pattern you will find a selection of intentionally chosen images
including:

– The Neda symbol, created by the National Eating Disorders Association to represent hope, strength and recovery

– Lavender, for calmness and emotional well-being

– the Small Blue Butterfly, a rare species found in Caithness, with butterflies symbolising change, growth and eating disorder recovery

– Oats, symbolising nourishment, sustenance and resilience

– Harvey’s paw, disguised as a blue and yellow wildflower you can find
drawings of Harveys Paw Print, a celebration of Caitlin’s Ukrainian rescue dog

– Rosebay Willowherb, known as fireweed or bombweed, became a
symbol of regeneration and hope during ww2 when blankets of the pink
flowers could be seen reclaiming sites previously destroyed by bombs.

– Spear Thistle, A symbol of protection, According to Scottish folklore, the
prickly plant saved sleeping Scottish warriors from a surprise Norse
invasion when a barefoot invader stepped on a thistle and let out a
painful cry.

A sign containing the print and pattern will be placed in a significant place around Caithness, and a set of cushions will be donated to the Mikeysline Hive on the Move. Prints will be available as posters of all sizes, and also on mugs, tea towels and cushions which are available to buy.

Caitlin’s input into this partnership comes at a very difficult time. In May 2026 the community has come together to support her in securing private health care for eating disorder recovery. The fundraiser made incredible and life-saving progress made so far, and the efforts are still ongoing.

To pass on the support, Caitlin and Kirsty will be donating profits from these items to Mikeysline who Caitlin has raised money for before.

Items available at Harbour & Heather

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, find help support here:

Beat Eating Disorders: Call 0808 801 0432 (Scotland) from 3pm – 8pm Monday to Friday

Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free, confidential 24/7 emotional support.

Breathing Space: Call 0800 83 85 87 (weekdays 6pm–2am, weekends 24 hours) if you are feeling low or distressed.

Mikey’s Line: Text or call 07786 207755 for local text-based and face-to-face mental health support.

Caithness Mental Health Support Group: Call 01955 605264 (The Haven, Wick) or 01847 892177 (Stepping Stones, Thurso)