A “tattooed” guitar will take centre stage at a special fundraiser for vulnerable Highland babies later this month.
The one-off, customised instrument is the star auction lot at SCBUSTOCK, a night of music being held in aid of the special care baby unit (SCBU) at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
The gig, featuring acts including Iain McLaughlin and The Outsiders, The Whiskys and The Leonard Jones Potential, has already sold out a month in advance, with the cause striking a chord with supporters across the country.
And the unique instrument is also generating a lot of interest, with bids sitting at £275 before one note is even played.
SCBUSTOCK is being organised by Kris Douglas, of The Whiskys, and Steve Robertson of 2010 Management.
Mr Douglas’s young son spent time in the Raigmore unit when he was born.
Mr Douglas said: “We’ve experienced our little one spending time in SCBU and we were overwhelmed by the level of care shown not only to him, but to us as parents too, and we have many friends whose babies have received care there.
“We wanted to do something to show, like so many Highland families, how appreciative we are of everyone at the unit. The SCBU nurses are unsung heroes and we hope this event will help raise a lot of money for what is a vital service for so many people”.
He added: “We are over the moon with all the encouragement we have received.
“The guitar, a Sigma 000M-1ST, has been donated by The Music Station in Inverness.
“It is being customized with art by Kenny Howden at the Inverness Tattoo Centre, who is using his exceptional skills to create a truly unique piece, which is already being sought-after by tattoo, music and art fans.
“Our highest bid so far actually came in on Twitter, with people watching it from as far away as Los Angeles.
“We’ll auction it off on the night in among all the wonderful music that we’ve got lined up. We can’t wait to get it all underway and will actually be sad when it’s over.”
More than 300 people are expected at the Spectrum Centre in Inverness on Saturday February 28 for the concert.
The event has also generated massive local generosity, with more than 60 individuals and businesses volunteering to donate raffle prizes including a five-ticket package for Brew at the Bog with a case of BrewDog beer thrown in, dinner at Culloden House Hotel and dozens more.