Hollywood composer Lorne Balfe on board with Halde Pottinger’s upcoming charity single as Ness Factor 2024 contestant looks to honour late brother
Inverness-based humanist celebrant Halde Pottinger has launched an exciting music project in memory of his brother Ranald, who died earlier this year.
Mr Pottinger, who is set to duet in this year’s Ness Factor with Grant MacNicol, is releasing the single ‘Big Red’ – as his brother was known – in a bid to increase his participation fundraising for Highland Hospice.
The song, which has been written by Mr Pottinger himself, features a host of local vocalists and is being mixed, mastered, produced and released by award-winning Hollywood composer and musician Lorne Balfe, who has worked on projects like the Mission Impossible franchise, television show The Crown and video game series Assassin’s Creed.
He spoke earlier this year about how losing his brother served as inspiration to enter Ness Factor, and he hopes that releasing this single will serve as a fitting tribute.
Mr Pottinger said: “I initially made contact with various Scottish individuals, communities, musicians, composers and singers to see what they thought of the idea – and they all loved it!”
“The outpouring of grief from the community up north was very, very real when we lost my brother.
“He was such a well-thought-of guy, moreso than I ever realised, and was a good friend and support to so many people out there. I feel like he mirrored what the Hospice does as it’s such a good support to so many. “
“I want this song to be a positive anthem and for it to reach as many people as we can.
“It is massive and so exciting to have Lorne Balfe and his team on board, not only helping to create the single, but also releasing it in early October.”
“It will be available on all platforms to buy, and I will be encouraging everyone to download their copy as every penny raised will go directly to the Hospice. There may even be a music video featuring some well-kent faces. Watch this space!”
Highland Hospice fundraiser Emma Nicol said: “Halde’s enthusiasm and passion for the release of ‘Big Red’ is incredible – he is putting so much into this project.
“What makes it even more special is that he wrote the song in memory of his brother, who he sadly recently lost.”
“We are all really excited to see how things unfold over the next month, and look forward to the single’s release in October.”
• Ness Factor, organised by Lornagh Siegel in aid of Highland Hospice, takes place in the Drumossie Hotel on Saturday, October 26 and is now sold out.
