Meet your Ness Factor 2024 contestants
Contestants have been selected for the annual Ness Factor charity singing competition.
Organised by Lornagh Siegel in aid of Highland Hospice, it is set to raise thousands of pounds and will return to the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness on October 26.
All the contestants, including duets and soloists, have now been chosen and singing lessons are about to commence.
This year, there are three vocal coaches - Tony Henry, Katy-Louise Mackay and Fiona Forbes - who will each be hoping that their mentees win a possible performance slot at Belladrum music festival in 2025.
Hospice community fundraiser Emma Nicol said: "We were delighted with the level of interest which seems to grow year on year. The standard is incredible which made selecting the finalists an extremely difficult process, it's a balance of selecting people with no prior singing experience who have used hospice services and want to give something back, to people who love to sing but want to take their singing to the next level and support our cause while doing so.
“We are really excited to be bringing a mix of seven individual performers and for the first time three duets to the final.
“As well as the singing, the group of 13 singers will be fundraising in the run-up to the competition and have some amazing ideas in place to raise vital funds in support of our cause.
“We are delighted this year to have Anderson Clark Motor Repairs as our Main Event Sponsor meaning every penny raised by the event goes directly to funding specialist care and support to our Highland communities. We can't thank Graham Clark and the team enough for their support."
Now let’s meet your 2024 Ness Factor contestants….
TEAM TONY
NAME: Kerry Vigurs
AGE: 39
WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Dingwall
OCCUPATION: Team Manager
FAMILY STATUS: Married to Iain Vigurs with children Harper Vigurs (11) and Frankie Vigurs (6).
REASON FOR TAKING PART: Like many, the hospice is a charity close to my heart. I’ve seen the amazing work done by all the wonderful hospice staff. Pushing 40, I am now keen to further any singing skills I might have, push myself out of my comfort zone, meet new people and enjoy new experiences with it all being for a beautiful cause.
NAME: Lisa Foster
AGE: 34
WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Beauly
OCCUPATION: Deputy Commerce Manager (Shops)
FAMILY STATUS: Partner is Matthew Foster and mum to Jamie Foster (8).
REASON FOR TAKING PART: My reason for entering Ness Factor has two parts. First is a personal one. My Grandad was cared for in the Hospice back in 1998. To this day, my Gran still talks about the amazing care which the nurses provided to my Grandad and our family. My gran brought me up to love Charity shops and the Highland Hospice shop in Inverness was her favourite to support.
This is one of the main reasons that I wanted to join the Highland Hospice team. I am grateful that I get to witness the dedication and wonderful care the Hospice team provide to the Highlands.
Working in the retail department, I am usually on the road visiting our shops. I have the pleasure of seeing that this care is provided in all areas of our services, including to our customers, donors and volunteers. Participating in Ness Factor will give me the opportunity to personally do my part for this amazing charity. I would like to raise as many funds and awareness of our services as possible in my own fundraising efforts.
Duet: Dane and Tracey
NAME: Dane Arnett
AGE: 34
WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Culduthel
OCCUPATION: Joiner
FAMILY STATUS: Partner to Meaghan Arnett and dad to Heidi-Rose
REASON FOR TAKING PART: The Highland Hospice gives so much to people that need it most so it’s nice to be in a position to give something back, what better way than having fun and raising money for a wonderful cause.
NAME: Tracey Morrison
AGE: 53
WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Milton of Leys, Inverness
OCCUPATION: Company Director, J& T Morrison Haulage Ltd
FAMILY STATUS: Married to John Morrison and mum to three ‘fur’ babies, chocolate Labradors Maisy (12), Milly (20 months) and Molly (8 months).
REASON FOR TAKING PART: Taking part in Ness Factor 2024 is way out of my comfort zone. I love singing, but singing at home when no-one is watching is totally different to performing in front of an audience.
The thought that I am fundraising to raise vital funds for Highland Hospice a local charity, close to my heart is spurring me on.
Sadly, I lost my dad on February 3 this year. He had a lovely singing voice and I hope I will do him proud with my performance on the night.
TEAM KATY-LOUISE
NAME: Jennifer Power
AGE: 26
WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Hilton, Highland
OCCUPATION: Beauty Therapist
FAMILY STATUS: Engaged to Paul Davidson
REASON FOR TAKING PART: Taking part in something like this is a huge challenge for me, stepping out of my comfort zone and doing something I really enjoy. My dyslexia challenges me in a lot of different ways but singing has always helped me through those times and brings me lots of comfort. I signed up for this as Highland Hospice holds a special place in my heart that I will cherish for the rest of my life, and I wanted to give something back as well as to share my voice from the heart I carry.
NAME: Rua Nicole Connell
AGE: 42
WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Cromarty
OCCUPATION: Pupil support assistant
FAMILY STATUS: Mum to Sky (11).
REASON FOR TAKING PART: I’ve been encouraged before by my friends to enter for Ness Factor but there always seemed to be something that got in the way, work, family responsibilities and dwindling confidence, but after a spell of being unwell I knew I needed a challenge, that’s when I saw the advert for Ness Factor 2024, and I knew I had to go for it. Not only is it an incredibly worthy charity to fundraise for but it will also help me find my feet singing again. It’s a win win.
Duet: Shelley and Charlie
NAME: Shelley Gill
Age: 38
WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Westhill, Inverness
OCCUPATION: Regional manager, Scotland with the National Road Victim Service
FAMILY STATUS: Married to Dominic Gill and mum to Katie (17), Lucas (9) and Jessica-Jan (6). We also have two dogs!
REASON FOR TAKING PART: Both of my grandparents were residents in the Hospice at the end of their lives a few years apart. The Hospice itself was a haven bringing us all together, allowing us the safe space to share our thoughts and hear our loved ones final wishes. There was laughter, tears, quiet times but also chaos with the sheer size of our family yet they were welcoming, accommodating, respectful and showed empathy in abundance.
They normalised our feelings and ensured we knew what was happening every step of this bewildering and heart-breaking journey. There are no words that could possibly describe just how special the Highland Hospice is and the burden that is lifted knowing your loved one is being cared for whilst you soak up every second of what time you have left.
If I can contribute to others having those moments then I shall and so I find myself on this journey. I feel privileged to be given this opportunity.
NAME: Charlie Simmonds
AGE: 45
WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Haugh
OCCUPATION: Hairdresser
FAMILY STATUS: Parent to Luca (15)
REASON FOR TAKING PART: I chose to enter this competition because I’ve had family and friends who’ve been affected by cancer and I wanted to do something this year to raise money. Last year was the turning point in my life. I chose to do something worthwhile. So I’m going to do everything I can to raise money for the Highland Hospice.
TEAM FIONA
NAME: Jo Turner
AGE: 33
WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Nairn
OCCUPATION: Sub-editor/Bartender
FAMILY STATUS: In a relationship with Chick McFarlane and have Keith (cat, 12) and Satie (cat, 18)
REASON FOR TAKING PART: I moved from London back to Nairn two years ago and rediscovered my passion for making music through singing at my local open mic night and connecting with many amazing musicians in the area, including my now boyfriend, who I love to jam with.
Ness Factor feels like a great way to challenge myself to step up as a performer, raise money for a fantastic cause, and take part in our local music scene. We’re surrounded by talent here! My granny was the first matron of Highland Hospice in Inverness so there’s a personal connection there, too.
NAME: Kay-Lisa Davidson
AGE: 48
WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Lived in Inverness for 25 years but I’m a Shetlander originally!
OCCUPATION: Company Director, ADL Nature and Nurse Bank: Health Visitor
FAMILY STATUS: Married to Angus Davidson and I have four children: Ally Davidson (25), Heather Jane Davidson (23), Aimee Davidson (17) and Davie Davidson (7).
REASON FOR TAKING PART: First and foremost the hospice is a fantastic charity. I have not had first hand experience of the hospice myself, but I do know many people who have, I only ever hear praise.
I feel very privileged and shocked to have been selected. I would never have done something like this until very recently but I have been inspired by a few life events and people recently and I just thought... go for it! What have I actually got to lose? So I quickly applied and submitted before I could change my mind, although I'm already very nervous and want to be good enough to perform on the night and be part of something that provides a great night's entertainment. My main priority and focus in the coming months is to raise as much money as I can for the hospice which gives outstanding holistic care.
NAME: Leanne Mackay
AGE: 39
WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Merkinch, Inverness
OCCUPATION: Youth Justice Practitioner
FAMILY STATUS: Mum to Grace (16), El (14) and Hope (13).
REASON FOR TAKING PART: I have very much lived within my comfort zone most of my life so I wanted to do something that would challenge me and push me out of that. I have always loved singing and at times it has massively helped my mental health.
My children were a massive push for me too I want to show them that sometimes doing something even though the thought of it scares you is still worth taking the risk for as it could pay off.
I have never had personal experience with the Highland Hospice but I have worked in palliative care and I have witnessed firsthand what this service offers not only to its patients but to family members as well. So I am delighted to be able to try and raise as much money as I can for this incredible charity. All in all I am here to make some new friends have as much fun as possible and raise money for a great charity.
Duet: Grant and Halde
NAME: Grant MacNicol
AGE: 39
WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Inverness
OCCUPATION: Private chef and owner of The Angry Seagull Fish and Chips
FAMILY STATUS: About to be married to Magda in October! Dad to Finlay (18 months).
REASON FOR TAKING PART: I love to sing and love that this is all about charity fundraising and having fun. My singing partner, Halde, and I have had a pretty tough year, so this is a nice way to come together for something collaborative and fun.
Ness Factor is about fundraising and we are really hoping that if we fall flat on the notes, that we can at least hit some decent fundraising targets.
NAME: Halde Pottinger
AGE: 40
WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Cawdor
OCCUPATION: Your friendly neighbourhood Humanist celebrant
FAMILY STATUS: Dad to Archie (16), Atholl (12) and Aggie (8).
REASON FOR TAKING PART: Having the absolute honour of conducting ceremonies all over Scotland and the world for ten years now, I got to know, very closely, how much work the Highland Hospice does for our community. I have seen first-hand, how much positivity this incredible organisation provides to countless in need. It is inspiring. Everyone who works there, including the amazing volunteers and fundraisers, are all absolute legends! And so, I wanted to show my appreciation in the best way that I know how…by making a complete arse of myself!!
And, my heterosexual life partner Grant, and I, both turned/turning 40 this year…I know, I know, you could hardly believe it! And so personally we were looking for ways to mark this occasion too. We have both had a pretty tough time of it of late, creating a lot of reaction and energy which we want to turn into a positivity, just like the Hospice does.
And so when we saw the Ness Factor opportunity, and a chance to relive our High School years of singing Def Leppard and Eagle Eye Cherry at the Thurso High School Battle Of The Bands, whilst at the same time raising money which will help so many people in our community, it was a no brainer!
We are both looking forward to the incredible challenge ahead! We are delighted to be on Team Fiona, and we hope we do her proud, and promise not to damage her ear drums too much with our wailing…try not to anyway!
And we have lots of fun events planned to help with reaching our fundraising targets for the Hospice. We realise the cost of living and all that shizzle, and the squeeze on monies…we probably know better than most, juggling the self-employment lifestyle, along with our duties as Dads to our respective bairns. So all our fundraising events and plans will be epic…just wait and see!!
So that’s it! And if anyone has any ideas about what Grant and I can call ourselves, let us know, because at the moment all we got is…Grant and Halde! Not very original! And be kind, more Robson and Jerome rather than Jedward…we hope!!
And to leave you all with a famous quote which is essentially going to sum up this adventure over the upcoming months, and maybe even beyond for us and everyone involved…”We’re gonna need a bigger boat”.
