CEO becomes Charity Ambassador

Steven Ferguson announced as ambassador for Highland mental health charity Mikeysline.

Steven, chief executive of Ross County FC, has pledged his support to Mikeysline, which offers non-judgemental support and advice to those suffering with mental health issues in the Highlands through face-to-face sessions, alongside text, Messenger and Twitter services.

The appointment comes at a time of growth for the charity, as it expands into Easter Ross with new services launching soon in Skiach and Tain.

Mr Ferguson said: “The footballing community is becoming more and more aware of how important it is to look after our mental health as well as our physical fitness. So I am thrilled to be joining Mikeysline as an ambassador, to help destigmatise mental health issues and to ensure that everyone who needs support has access to it.

“The Highlands is my adopted home, and I feel very privileged to be able to work with a charity that does so much good for those living in the area. I am looking forward to working with Mikeysline to raise awareness of the support available to those struggling with their mental health – both within the Ross County community and across the region.”

Steven began his footballing career as a player with stints at Dunfermline Athletic, Ross County, Brechin City, Stenhousemuir and Ayr United. He was appointed assistant manager of Ross County in 2014 and held positions within the club as caretaker manager, academy director and co-manager until June 2020, when he was appointed chief executive.

He was named Scottish Championship Manager of the Season for the 2018-19 season, following Ross County’s promotion into the Scottish Premiership as well as capturing the Challenge Cup.

Mr Ferguson joins Hollywood star Karen Gillan, and Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s John Robertson as ambassadors supporting the charity’s services across the region.

Emily Stokes, service manager at Mikeysline, added: “We are so excited to welcome Steven to Mikeysline as an ambassador. As an influential figure in the sporting world, his insight and profile will help us bring our services to the attention of so many people who might never have found them otherwise.

“This appointment comes at an exciting time for Mikeysline, as we are expanding our face-to-face offering into Easter Ross. We have secured premesis at the recently-opened Am Bothan Community Café near Skiach, and are currently gathering feedback from the local community to start providing them with the support they need in the near future.

“We will also be launching a new pilot young person’s service in Tain later this month, based in the local Tesco, to build upon the work of our Inverness scheme which started in February.”

For more information, visit www.mikeysline.co.uk – or find Mikeysline on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.