Perthshire Auction thanked for £17m Hospice help

Auction praised for Kinross project assistance

Charity officials have thanked organisers of Perthshire’s premier annual Auction for pledging proceeds towards a £17m transformation of Scotland’s first ever Children’s Hospice.

Perth Silent Auction, now in its 19th year, opens for bids today (Fri 13th) after pushing through the half million pound mark, last year, for combined funds raised for lifeline charities.

And donor businesses and bidders will this year be playing their part in helping to create what project leaders claim will be a ‘world class’ facility which will enhance palliative care in Scotland for generations to come.

By Alastair Forbes Architects

Kinross pioneer

The refurbishment of Rachel House in Kinross is the centrepiece of a £20m project by charity, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), designed to advance care for children with life-shortening conditions, and their families.

Rachel House was the nation’s first ever Children’s Hospice when opened by HRH the Princess Royal in 1996 but, after 30 years, is now in urgent need of upgrading.

Staff have temporarily moved to the former care home of Mina House in Kinglassie while the refurbishment- which will bring enhanced indoor and outdoor spaces, a new roof and improvements to the hydrotherapy area – is carried out.

And fundraisers have expressed their gratitude to Perth Silent Auction organisers, Rotary Club of Perth, who have agreed to donate proceeds to the project and to Cornhill Macmillan Centre at Perth Royal Infirmary.

Significant development

“The redevelopment of Rachel House, alongside improvements across our wider services, represents one of the most significant developments in CHAS' history,” said Fiona Young, Community Fundraiser at the charity.

“For children and families across Perth and Perthshire, this investment will help ensure expert palliative care, short breaks, end-of-life care and bereavement support remain available for generations to come.

“Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. The generosity shown through initiatives like the Perth Silent Auction helps us be there at the moments that matter most, providing practical, emotional and clinical support to families facing the unimaginable. We are very grateful to everyone who has supported this event and helped us continue this vital work."

Businesses can donate lots

Business generosity

Already over 180 lots are open to online bids, from Friday, with community-minded Perthshire businesses donating prizes from golf and luxury get-aways to Scotch whisky, professional services, flying lessons and logs.

Businesses wanting to play their part in helping life-changing charities can donate lots directly through the Auction website and bidders can place their pitches for prizes right up until Auction Day which begins at 10am on 5th December.

Around £30 000 was raised last year and organiser, David Lindsay of Rotary Club of Perth, has been amazed at the generosity of business donors and individuals so far, especially during a time of higher economic costs.

‘Humbled’

“Over 10% of the donors so far this year have never given to the auction before, which is incredible. There are very few auctions with the variety we have. We’ve had a course of physiotherapy come in this week from FMK Physiotherapy and Health, for example, and a day’s salmon fishing on the Tummel from East Haugh Fishings.

“When we passed the £500 000 mark last year, I felt quite humbled. To think that, in our little community, people have given half a million pounds worth of goods from their businesses and turned that into money for charity.

“Out there, there is concern for the finances of the country, as a whole, but if people are ready to help us out again in this way, I think it’s fantastic.”

If you are a Business and want to donate a lot for Charity OR, if you want to check out the hugely varied offerings in the 2026 auction, click here.

*Perthshire Business news is delighted to be playing its part as a supporting Partner of Perth Silent Auction, 2026.