Argyll Pink Ladies Day: a day of fun, friendship and wellbeing

ALMOST 100 women from across Argyll gathered on Friday, November 14 for the annual Pink Ladies Day, now in its twelfth year.
This popular, well-established event is dedicated to wellbeing, relaxation and community support for women affected by breast cancer. Held in crisp winter sunshine at the stunning Drimsynie Estate, this special day offered fun, friendship and escapism, supported by 28 therapists, beauticians and wellbeing practitioners.
Guests were welcomed with fresh coffee and pastries on arrival before a short opening address set the tone for the day. Organisers highlighted the continuing growth of the Pink Ladies of Argyll charity and expressed thanks to the volunteers, fundraisers and local businesses whose contributions enable the event to run each year.
The full programme began at 10am, with the estate transformed into a series of treatment and activity spaces. The Pink Ladies Day relies on the skill and generosity of wonderful therapists and practitioners offering hair styling, professional make-up and nail treatments throughout the day, alongside a comprehensive range of holistic therapies including massage, reflexology, facials, facial cupping, Meso Vytal treatments and reiki. Pilates classes and sound-bath sessions were also offered, giving attendees opportunities to relax, stretch and unwind.
An annual favourite is the Gift Tombola, supported by donations from businesses across Dunoon, Oban and the wider region. Juno Design Gallery regularly provides significant contributions, alongside items and vouchers from a wide range of local retailers, makers and service providers.
A three-course lunch was served in The View restaurant, giving guests time to socialise, enjoy the surroundings and meet new friends. The Pink Ladies were also offered access to its swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna, which many enjoyed as an added element to their wellbeing experience.
Organisers emphasised that the event is made possible through the support of local partners, funders and community groups. In addition, a heartfelt donation was made by the family and friends of Vicky Kelly, a much-loved member of the Pink Ladies community who recently passed away. Vicky is very sadly missed by the Pink Ladies family and the whole community.
Nicky Murphy, Chairperson of Pink Ladies Argyll, said: “Pink Ladies Day continues to be a key date in the calendar for many women across Argyll, offering a unique opportunity for support, connection and friendship in a scenic and welcoming setting.
“Further activities, workshops and gatherings are scheduled throughout the year, with details to be shared in upcoming newsletters and social media updates. We are a registered charity and our goal is to help women regain a healthy outlook, rebuild their confidence, and thrive in life following a breast-cancer diagnosis. It fosters friendship, connection and networking among members, recognising the strength found in shared experience.”
Nicky added: “The team of trustees would like to thank everyone who bought a raffle ticket and sponsored their fundraisers.”
Thanks and acknowledgements for this year’s Pink Ladies Day go to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, Western Ferries, Holcim, Co-op and Scottish Sea Farms Ltd for generous grant support, as well as fundraisers Roslyn Redpath, The John MacEachen Golf Memorial Day, Susan Tyres Golf Day, Grant Stirling, Debs Shaw, Gail Proudman, Shaunie Moore, Laura McKissock, Bella Love, Ellie Emmerson, Esther Clark, Alison Munro, Megan Stirling, Lyndsey Dain, Angel Dalziel, Chris and Emma Agg, Kelly Morris, Ken and Maggie Clark, Dawn Moore and Carole MacLean.
Organisers also extend their thanks to local businesses Oban Chocolate Company, Balance Complementary Therapies, Juno Design Gallery, Tunnock’s and Scottish Field for their contributions to this year’s goodie bags and gifts.
Special appreciation is reserved for the team of make-up artists, hairdressers, nail technicians and health and wellbeing practitioners on whom Pink Ladies Day is built. Their skill and dedication make the day possible: Rie Emmers, Fiona Limbert, Liz O’Neill, Paula Weir, Suzanne MacLean, Karen MacIntyre, Jacquie MacLean, Juliet Breuer, Sarah Louise Gillies, Tori Black, Lydia Holliday, LeeAnne Fraser Whyte, Kayla Reddick, Nicola Gowans, Louise (MUA), Caroline Whitworth Foster, Dawn Petherick, Pamela MacDougall, Gail Proudman, Morag Mathie, Chelle Ross, Lyndsey Dain, Laura McMath, Natasha Keith, Rachel Cameron and Sofia, Lorraine Robinson and Lisa Lomas.
Organisers noted with regret the absence of Liam Rafter, Jo Coleman, Rachel Rutherford, Louise Hamilton and Jacqui Barker, who would have attended had circumstances allowed.
Thanks are also due to Sheila and Shaun from Macmillan Cancer Support at Cowal Hospice Trust, Lesley from Argyll Botany and Kara from Arbonne for their support, listening ears and beautiful products.
Grateful thanks go to the entire team at Drimsynie Estate for their hard work, particularly Natalie, Aaron, Collette, Fiona, Alistair and Gemma.
Appreciation is also extended to Ken Clark Photography, piper Liam Kennedy, and to Print Mhor, Argyll Print & Design, Argyll Weddings and Events, Lynsey Anderson, Third Sector Support Advisor for Cowal and Bute Janis Marshall Reilly, tech wizard Daniel Kaines and video editor Paul Anderson.
Thanks are also due to West Coast Motors, Ruaridh Allan and Mid Argyll Community Transport for ensuring many of the ladies travelled safely to and from the event, the charity’s trustees — Shona, Maureen, Liz, Karen, Angela, Louise, Catriona, Ruth and Gillian — for their ongoing dedication and, of course, the Pink Ladies who are the reason the day matters so much.