A HIGHLAND designer who has made a name for herself around the world has opened up on the online abuse she has experienced — and revealed a response that will take her well outside her comfort zone.
Siobhan MacKenzie will step out for Mikeysline. Picture: Daniel Wemyss
Multi award-winning fashion designer and Mikeysline ambassador Siobhan Mackenzie will swap tartan for trekking boots as she laces up for the Mikeysline Icelandic Lava & Light Trek in September 2026.
Highland designer Siobhan Mackenzie gets royal call-up as ‘changemaker’
The tough five-day itinerary will see participants cover 58km across Iceland’s dramatic volcanic landscape – passing waterfalls, lava fields, fjords and geysers between September 2-6.
Funds raised will support Mikeysline’s confidential, non-judgemental text-based, callback and 1:1 peer support led services for people experiencing mental ill health, emotional distress, or thoughts of suicide across the Highlands, Islands and Moray.
In a social media post, Siobhan, a former Fortrose Academy pupil who launched her business as a teenager, said: “I had already committed to this challenge, but in recent weeks I’ve also been on the receiving end of a significant amount of online abuse and misinformation.
“It’s been a difficult experience, and one that has highlighted just how quickly negativity can escalate and the very real impact it can have on mental well-being.
“I’m choosing to channel that experience into something positive, supporting a charity that helps people through their most difficult moments, often when they have nowhere else to turn.”
Born and raised on the Black Isle, Siobhan launched her eponymous label in 2014 building an international reputation for contemporary Scottish design rooted in heritage and a strong ‘Made in Scotland’ ethos.
Her career highlights include designing for Team Scotland for major Games appearances, receiving international design recognition, and dressing high-profile clients, including Alan Cumming, Justin Bieber and Shania Twain, while continuing to champion slow fashion and Scottish manufacturing.
As a Mikeysline ambassador, Siobhan has already helped shine a spotlight on the charity’s message through awareness activity and creative collaborations, including the development of a distinctive Mikeysline-inspired tartan design that weaves together local identity and a powerful reminder that it’s OK not to be OK.
She said: “I’m incredibly proud to be an ambassador for Mikeysline – it’s a charity deeply rooted in my home region, providing life-changing support to people of all ages and genders.
“Mental health can affect anyone at any time, and too many people still feel they have to struggle in silence. It’s important for me to use my platform to help normalise the conversation and make sure people know help is available locally.
“Taking on the Iceland trek is my way of showing up, stepping out of my comfort zone and reminding others that asking for help is a strength.”
Emily Stokes. Picture: Callum Mackay.
Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have Siobhan as part of the Mikeysline family. She’s built an amazing platform, but what really stands out is how firmly she stays connected to her Highland roots, and how openly she champions mental health.
“Taking on Iceland is a big step outside her comfort zone, and that commitment means a great deal to us.
“Her support will help us reach more people with our message; while also raising vital funds so we can continue to be there for those who need us most.”
For more information and to sign-up, visit: https://getinvolved.mikeysline.co.uk/all_events/mikeysline-icelandic-lava-light-trek/
Places are still available for the Mikeysline’s Icelandic Lava & Light Trek.
Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.