Our story

Supporting the Highlands since 1987

We began as Birchwood, a small charity helping people with mental ill-health move back into the community. Here is how we grew.

Guests at the opening of the Discovery College in Inverness
1987

Birchwood is founded

Birchwood begins supporting people with mental ill-health as they move back into the community. Our first chair, Derek Bigg, worked alongside the Highland Health Board, Senior Nurse Alex Wells and Senior Social Worker Malcolm Jack.

1989

A second scheme in Inverness

A second scheme opens in Kinmylies, with an office at Craig Dunain Hospital.

1991

Into Lochaber

A scheme opens in Fort William at Gharbeinn House, now Meal na Mara.

1992

Birchwood House is built

The Highland Health Board gifts land next to Hilton Hospital. Birchwood House, today’s Recovery Centre, is built for patients moving on from Craig Dunain.

1994

Birchwood Highland

A scheme opens in Invergordon to serve Easter Ross. We become Birchwood Highland to reflect our growing reach.

2005

A new model of recovery

Birchwood House is remodelled around recovery. In 2008 a residential centre opens, which grows into the Recovery Centre we know today.

2017

Back in Caithness

We return to Caithness due to demand, and begin Care at Home services alongside housing support.

2022

We become Centred

Birchwood Highland becomes Centred (Scotland), reflecting our person-centred approach.

2023

The Discovery College opens

After years in the NHS strategic plan, the Highlands’ first recovery college opens in Inverness, developed with Habitus and based on Canadian and Dutch models.

2025

Discovery College in Wick

A second Discovery College opens in Caithness, one of the most remote areas of the Highlands.

Today

Still growing, still local

Almost 40 years on, we support people across the Highlands with free drop-in support, care at home and residential recovery. Our story continues with the people who use our services, our staff and our supporters.

The Discovery College in Inverness city centre