NESS FACTOR: Finalist Caitlin Farquhar set to host fundraising event for Highland Hospice at National Hotel in Dingwall next month
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FOR a Conon Bridge finalist in the Ness Factor singing competition it made sense to organise a fundraiser with a musical theme.
Caitlin Farquhar (26), who is a full-time student in primary teaching and part-time customer assistant at the Dingwall branch of Tesco, will be hosting a karaoke night.
Her fundraiser will be in the National, in Dingwall on October 15, and she said as well as raising money from ticket sales she would also be selling raffle tickets with lots of prizes up for grabs.
She said: “There will also be a prize for the best performer on the night. I am also doing a bag pack in Tesco in October and will be raising funds there.”
Miss Farquhar is one of nine finalists in the annual singing contest with all funds raised donated to Highland Hospice.
She said: “I wanted to take part in the competition to raise funds for an amazing cause – cancer is something that can change your life in a second so it’s really important we have access to amazing support at the hospice as we never know when we will need it.
“It’s something that’s really close to my heart and has affected some of my closest family members.
“Prior to this I had no understanding of how much of an impact it has on, not only the person who has it but your whole family, and everyone deals with it so differently – therefore it’s important you have a safe place to go for advice and support.”
In the weeks leading up to the competition she is being coached by Katy-Louise Mackay, adding: “I am really enjoying my singing lessons and have learned a lot of new skills and techniques.
“I’d never had a singing lesson before the competition so have found it’s really benefitting me. Katy-Louise is great fun and really helping me to build my confidence in my ability to sing.
“I am also really enjoying the group sessions and have met a lovely group of people.”
Nine finalists have been chosen to sing their way to stardom at this year’s charity show Ness Factor on November 12 at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness.
This year, the winner will take home a grand prize of a performance slot at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2023.
As well as Miss Farquhar, the other eight finalists are Stephen Laurie, Lisa Gray, Jennifer Urquhart, Fiona Clark, Donna Fraser, Andrew Gill, Moira Black and Gregor Matheson.
They will be coached in teams by Tony Henry, Katy-Louise Mackay and Fiona Forbes.
It is the fifth year of the competition and also the 35th year of the hospice, making this show extra special.
There will be a commemorative address along with guest performances and an auction.
To book a table at the event, email lornagh@siegel.co.uk
