Glitzy fundraising night planned
Stars from the hit comedy series Still Game will host this year's fundraising gala ball for music education charity, the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust.
Jane McCarry, known for her portrayal of nosey busybody Isa Drennan, and Mark Cox who brought us tight-fisted Tam Mullen will oversee proceedings at the Tartan and Tiaras event in Glasgow on 30 April in aid of Eilidh's Trust, which was established in memory of the 14-year-old from the Isle of Barra who died in the Manchester Arena attack five years ago.
The duo will swap the humdrum of Craiglang for a glitzy night of great music and live entertainment. Eilidh's Trust supports music education for young people reflecting Eilidh’s own love of music and her talent as a musician, having played in the local Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band.
Joining Jane and Mark on the bill will be piping supergroup The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Highland group TideLines and trad band Beinn Lee, a six piece group from North Uist. Guests will also be entertained by some young and upcoming musicians.
Tickets for the Tartan and Tiaras gala ball at Glasgow’s Marriott Hotel are still available and can be purchased on Eventbrite. The event will also have a live online auction with many prizes up for grabs including Celtic FC and Inverness Caledonian Thistle hospitality, VIP tours of the Harris Gin, Torabhaig and Highland Park distilleries, exclusive artwork and an Ireland football signed shirt.
Jane McCarry said: “Mark and I are thrilled to be hosting this special event in aid of such a wonderful and worthwhile cause. We hope as much money as possible can be raised to support Eilidh’s Trust’s work with young musicians across Scotland. Isa would be in her element at this event, sipping her sweet sherry and keeping a beady eye on what everyone is up to."
"As someone who works in education, I appreciate the value the charity makes to so many budding young musicians who get huge pleasure from advancing their skills, and it’s beautiful that all this is being done to keep Eilidh’s musical journey alive.”
Jane added: “We can’t wait to see everyone in their finery, being together again after the last two years and enjoying some great Scottish hospitality and music. We’ll make sure those attending aren’t like tight-fisted Tam but digging deep to support Eilidh’s Trust.”
Trust founder, Suzanne White commented: “We are very grateful to Jane and Mark for hosting our gala ball which promises to be a fun filled night of music and fundraising. They will create a fun atmosphere which will help people dig deep for the Trust.
“This May will mark five years since we lost Eilidh in that horrible attack and we are as committed as ever to guaranteeing her legacy through young musicians. This event is a key part of our fundraising to help us achieve that goal and we know everyone will have a cracking time in the name of this worthwhile cause."
