Fundraising Scots night for Alzheimers Scotland in Hawick

Organised by former Provost of Hawick, Kenny McCartney, ‘A Guid Scots Night’, held in conjunction with Alzheimers Scotland, will feature the best of local talent whilst taking in much needed funds for those inflicted with the condition.

Mr McCartney (73) said the idea came to him because he has friends who are sufferers.

"I know a lot of people who have Alzheimers or dementia. A couple of relatives have it, guys that I played rugby with, plus others who I went to school with.

“Every time you speak to someone they know someone else who has this terrible disease.

"I thought I'm going to do something here and a concert came to mind because I know a lot of people in bands, so I set out about a year ago to try and put something together.

“I've been helped along the way by a couple of guys and everybody I've spoken to has said that it's a great idea.”

Acts on the bill are from Hawick, Galashiels and from Denholm.

Mr McCartney added: “We've got acts from the folk club and we have the Borders Pipe band, there's dance groups, one of which my granddaughter is in!

“There's 13 acts coming from all over and David Chapman is going to compere on the night. Venue 34 will be on hand to serve drinks too, so hopefully I can get a couple of hundred people in there.”

As well as the concert itself, Mr McCartney has also set up a Just Giving page for people to donate which at the time of going to press has raised £1485.

Tickets for the concert cost just £10, which Mr McCartney says he hopes will entice more people to attend.

"A lot of people are saying to me that it's a bit low,” he says, “but I'd rather get 200 people at £10 than fewer people for more. so I've kept it as low as I can.”

Kirsty Stewart, Alzheimer Scotland’s Director of Fundraising and Operations, gave Mr McCartney her backing, saying: "We are very grateful to Kenny and to everyone involved in supporting this fundraising concert in aid of Alzheimer Scotland.

“Like so many charities, we are heavily reliant on fundraised income. Every pound raised helps Alzheimer Scotland continue to develop and deliver vital dementia support and to help make sure no one faces dementia alone."

‘A Guid Scots Night’ will take place on November 22nd at 7pm at Hawick Town Hall. Tickets are available from Dorwards on Hawick Hight Street and ILF Imaging on Howegate.

Donate at the Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/kenny-mccartney-1.