The headliners at an Aberdeenshire Hogmanay event have started raising funds for Eilidh MacLeod from Barra, who died in this week’s Manchester terrorist attack.
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers have gone from strength to strength since they formed 15 years ago and will headline the town’s Gig at the Brig festival this year on December 31.
And the band members confirmed they are auctioning off a Celtic top to help the fundraising campaign in honour of the 14-year-old.
Kevin MacDonald said: “Eilidh was a fellow piper and after the events in Manchester this week, we wanted to do something to help, because it’s horrific.
“We played at the first Barra festival in 2008 and I think Eilidh was part of the youth band that played there too.
“So far, we have had a bid for £1,500 – it’s amazing – but hopefully it will get more interest.”
Now in the middle of a tour which will see them visit Canada, Germany and the US, the band said they were looking forward to ‘coming home’ for New Year’s Eve.
Ellon’s fifth Gig at the Brig will also see performances from the 10-piece Silver City Soul Review and Destination, a 1980s synth duo signed to Erasure’s Lexer label.
Gig organiser Wayne Baber last night said: “Ticket sales are going unbelievably well – we have sold more than last year already. We are due to release the next batch soon which will be at full price, so there isn’t much time left for buying a discounted ticket.
Kevin MacDonald added: “I think this could be the first time I’ve been to Ellon and it has been warm – I don’t expect it will be this warm the next time we are here.
“I was brought up in Peterculter, so it’s nice to get back to what I call home for New Year.
“This is going to be a very busy year – we’ve had a very busy year so far with 170 gigs under our belt already.
Tickets for Ellon’s Gig at the Brig can be bought from: www.buytickets.at/ellonevents