Nairn choir The Accidentals raise record sum for Firefighters Charity in memory of one of their stalwarts Morag Bannigan.
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A NAIRN choir has raised a record sum from a single concert in memory of one it’s former singers.
The Accidentals in Nairn played to a full house at the Nairn United Reformed Church and raised £1500 for the Firefighters’ Charity as a tribute to Morag Bannigan who died of cancer in December 2020 after a long battle with the illness.
Because of Covid the choir’s activities were curtailed but they made their return to a delighted audience in the church where Morag performed many times before.
A tribute was paid to Morag who was a community fire safety advocate with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Morag also sang in a popular acapella trio known as Sunndach with fellow choir members Janice Keir and musical director Wendy Strath.
Choir secretary Cath Stevenson said: “It was the choir’s first performance in two years and we were delighted at the huge turnout.
“It was a very poignant occasion for all of us and a few tears were shed as we sang songs that Morag had chosen because she knew her illness was terminal and wanted to do something for her colleagues.
“She fought long and hard, often turning up to choir practice during chemotherapy treatment with a smile and a joke, as was her style.”
The mixed choir has raised thousands of pounds for charity and provides singers with an opportunity to enjoy music and camaraderie.
Wendy said: “We were staggered at the amount raised – our largest total to date. Morag had chosen the charity before she passed away and she would have been delighted.”
Group Commander Ross Nixon of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service paid a warm tribute to Morag and thanked her friends in the choir.
“It is a fantastic contribution that will greatly assist in the work of The Firefighters Charity. Morag was a member of staff for the fire service in Inverness for over 20 years.
“Not only was Morag part of the fire service family in the Highlands, her father was a firefighter in Glasgow.
“Sadly, Morag’s father died at a young age and the charity [then called the Fire Service Benevolent Fund] helped Morag’s mother and family to get through the emotional and financial strain that the death caused.
“Morag never forgot the help she and her family had received and was determined to help the charity both in life and when she passed.”
Ross added: “I was extremely honoured to attend the concert on behalf of the The Firefighters Charity.”
