A handmade mascot created for Fife Health Charity has been given its official name after a summer-long public vote.

Local residents were invited to send in suggestions as part of a community-wide search for the perfect name for the knitted bear, and a decision has now been made.

Over the summer, the charming mascot met supporters, attended events and helped raise awareness of the importance of donating to NHS Fife. Entrants were encouraged to draw inspiration from Fife’s places, history, landmarks or famous personalities, and one name came up repeatedly: Lomond.

Hand-knitted by Fiona Forsyth, a member of NHS Fife’s Pharmacy Service, Lomond the Bear now aims to bring a friendly face to the charity’s fundraising and engagement activities.

Fiona began making hand-crafted teddy bears as a source of comfort during a particularly difficult time in her personal life, while her husband was undergoing cancer treatment.

Lomond the Bear is expected to help Fife Health Charity connect with the community and show how donations support local health projects.

Mark McGeachie, director of Fife Health Charity, said: “We were delighted by the response from local people when we asked for help naming our mascot. The number of suggestions received showed just how much affection there is for the charity and the work we do.

“We’re particularly grateful to Fiona for creating the bears and giving us such a special mascot. Knowing the story behind its creation makes it even more meaningful to us, and we’re delighted to see how warmly it has been received by people across Fife.”