Our Story
&
Our Team
Rooted in Gairloch history, run by the community, entirely for the children.
The Story of Toybox
Built by the Community, for the Community
The story of Toybox began in December 1989. A group of 23 local parents met with the Ross & Cromarty District Council to tackle a critical challenge: the complete lack of local early-years childcare, which was forcing young families out of the area or preventing parents from taking up vital work and training opportunities.
What followed was a massive, three-year community effort. A feasibility study was launched, funding was sourced, and local primary school children even held a competition to decide on the perfect name—landing proudly on Toybox.
In June 1993, Toybox officially opened its doors, instantly hitting its maximum capacity of 24 children. In our early days, we operated based on seasonal needs, opening for six months of the year when the local landowner required childcare for staff at the Steading (now the Black Pearl). By 1996, secure all-year-round funding was achieved.
For nearly 30 years, we cared for generations of children from our familiar demountable buildings (which have now proudly been retired and donated to the local Fire Brigade for practice!). Today, we lease a cosy, warm, and dedicated room within the Gairloch Primary School building. While our physical space has evolved, our heart remains exactly the same as it was in 1989: to provide a nurturing space where children come first, allowing families to thrive in the Highlands.
Meet The Team
Louise Gibson — Centre Manager
Louise has been the guiding heart of Toybox from the very beginning, starting as a founding committee member alongside other local parents back in 1989. After supporting the centre in various roles—including working with the Care and Learning Alliance—she was “temporarily” seconded as our Manager in 2007 and has been leading us beautifully ever since! Louise holds a Level 3 SVQ in Children’s Care, Learning and Development, a Level 4 SVQ in Management, and both a BA and MA in Childhood Practice. Deeply embedded in Wester Ross life, her extensive qualifications and experience ensure Toybox families always have access to the highest standard of guidance and support.
Kirsty MacKenzie — Practitioner & Baby Key Worker
Kirsty has been with Toybox since 1997 and holds a Level 3 SVQ in Playwork. She is our dedicated baby key worker and is absolutely wonderful with our youngest attendees. Kirsty loves diving into “silly” pretend play to make the children laugh, and she is always the first to encourage energetic walks, races, and outdoor games in the field.
Maria Morrison — Practitioner
Maria joined the Toybox family in 2002 and holds a Level 3 SVQ in Playwork. Singing and dancing are Maria’s ultimate specialities, and she brings endless energy to the room. When she isn’t leading a musical session, she can be found helping children solve complex puzzles, whipping up fresh batches of playdough, and keeping the atmosphere light and full of fun.
Kate Gallacher — Practitioner
Kate started with us in 2005, taking a couple of well-deserved years off for maternity leave along the way. She holds a Level 3 SVQ in Children’s Care, Learning and Development. Kate is our resident arts and crafts expert—if a child needs something drawn (like a flawless Gruffalo!), Kate is on the case. She also leads our physical activity, story time, and wonderfully messy play sessions.
Our Core Values
Child-Led Learning We believe that early years are for discovering the world at your own pace. Our daily rhythm is built around child-led play, storytelling, and sensory experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and independence.
A Registered Charity & Not-For-Profit Mission Toybox is a Registered Scottish Charity run entirely by a dedicated committee of local parents. We have no corporate owners or profit margins. Every single penny of our fees and funding goes directly back into paying our staff fairly and providing beautiful resources for the children.
Supporting Highland Livelihoods We believe passionately that choosing to raise a family shouldn’t mean being forced to leave the rural areas we love. By providing trusted care, we ensure young families can stay, work, and build their lives right here in Wester Ross.
Want to see our centre in action?
We love welcoming new families. If you would like to arrange a time to drop in, meet Louise and the team, and see our playroom, please get in touch!