Liam Finnerty Charitable Trust Gala July 2026. Pictures: Liam Finnerty Charitable Trust.
A Nairn charity created in memory of a beloved local adventurer has celebrated a fantastic first year in action with a gala night at the weekend.
The Liam Finnerty Charitable Trust was registered as a charity at the end of July last year in a bid to create a legacy for Liam, who had suddenly passed away the previous December.
Friends and family rallied together to raise money in his memory – eventually setting up the trust, whose mission is to support young people across Nairnshire by helping them access travel and activities which may allow them to find their passion for adventure and the outdoors – something which Liam loved dearly.
“Liam had a heart of gold”
Over the past months trustees and volunteers have been hard at work and have raised more than £30,000 – £12,500 from the Gala night – and donated more than £11,500 to schools and other organisations.
The evening, held at Nairn Dunbar Golf Club, saw more than 120 people enjoy an evening of live music, auctions and disco, sharing a good time in Liam’s memory.
“It was just unbelievable,” said Liam’s father Ken.
Sharon and Ken Finnerty were delighted with the turnout. Pictures: Liam Finnerty Charitable Trust.
“We had an amazing night, and the performers were amazing – from Sophie Boyne, who has such an incredible voice and talent at just 14, and who donated her piano raising more than £400 for us, as well as singers Kim Brown, Lee Cruickshank, Kate Gray and Kayleigh Redford and Paul McIvor from Xplosive Entertainments. They were absolutely rocking.
Singers rocking on the night. Pictures: Liam Finnerty Charitable Trust.
“I can’t thank them enough.”
The trust has gained community support over the past months — with Nairn County also unveiling their new charity kit on Saturday, which is dedicated to the Liam Finnerty Charitable Trust and will be helping support the cause with some proceedings from kit sales.
Nairn County unveiled their new thrid kit – which will support the Trust for the next two years. Pictures: Liam Finnerty Charitable Trust.
“I think that’s really down to people knowing Liam and how Liam lived life,” said Liam’s mum Sharon.
“It’s a testament to who Liam was.
Liam Finnerty Charitable Trust Gala July 2026. Pictures: Liam Finnerty Charitable Trust.
“I think the fact that we’re quite well known within the community from the taxi company helped. But also a lot of people on Saturday night had said they liked how transparent things were, because they could see the money coming in from the cheque presentations and the pictures of the money going out and being handed over to local organisations… So I think it’s all about transparency, and keeping it local.”
With two more events coming up (a drag queen night in November and a Burns Supper in January), the long-term dream has now materialised with the opening of a youth centre in Nairn.
Everyone having a great time at the gala. Pictures: Liam Finnerty Charitable Trust.
More than 120 people attended the event. Pictures: Liam Finnerty Charitable Trust.
“It’s to get the community together and to help get kids off the streets,” Ken added.
“When I was a teenager, there used to be an old community facility and it was brilliant, because you could play football, basketball; it had an art room and indoor archer, disco and bands use to come and play there. We don’t have a place like that anymore so we hope we can bring that back in Nairn.
“The past months have been a huge success because of the generosity of people. There are so many people to thank and give praise to, we couldn’t have done it without them. It’s just been incredible.”
Anyone wishing to support the trust can find out more at www.liamfinnertycharitabletrust.com.
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