Bothy Ballads coming to Elgin Town Hall
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Elgin Town Hall – its venue for the past 40 years – is getting ready for the Bothy Ballads next month.
Six competitors – the winners of the ‘heats’ held across the North-East – will be singing for the prestigious title of ‘Champion of Champions’ and to take away the famous ‘porridge bowl and spoon’ prize.
This year’s six champions include Shona Donaldson from Tarland, the reigning titleholder and the very first female winner.
Also competing will be Geordie Murison from Strichen, Joe Aitken from Keith, Moira Stewart from Aberdeen, Paddy Buchanan from Stonehaven and Allan Taylor from Kirriemuir.
Each is set to sing a song for entertainment, before performing their championship entry before the judge, who this year is Robert Lovie.
Michelle Anderson, Elgin Rotary's president, says: "While the evening is a serious competition it’s also greatly entertaining.
"The performers dress in ‘bothy attire’ and sing from a stage furnished like a bothy. You’ll hear more Doric spoken that evening than in a year of town hall events."
Once again the evening will be compered by Gary Coull whose stories, quips and introductions raise gales of laughter every year.
Extra entertainment will be provided Paul Anderson MBE – probably Scotland’s best fiddler – who's also Shona’s husband.
The evening typically raises over £1000 for charity.
Main sponsor Glen Moray will provide the drams.
Meanwhile Crofter’s Neuk will be providing the stovies using potatoes from Benzies and beef from Macbeth's Butchers from Forres.
Keith Community Radio and the Northern Scot donate advertising for the event, while town hall volunteers and Rotary and Rotaract members donate hundreds of hours of time in preparing and running the show.
Tickets are on sale now from the box office between 10am-noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Alternatively, go to ticketsource.co.uk/Rotary-Elgin or phone 07470 758 901.
The Bothy Ballads, Champion of Champions night will be held at Elgin Town Hall on Saturday, February 10, from 7pm-10.15pm.
