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Inverness panto stars raise money to give tickets to hundreds of Highland children


By Tom Ramage

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Ross Allan (second left) did the Inverness Half Marathon.
Ross Allan (second left) did the Inverness Half Marathon.

At least 200 children and their families will be enjoying a special trip to Inverness' Eden Court panto this Christmas, thanks to the cast and audiences of Beauty and the Beast.

An appeal started by panto favourite Ross Allan and some of his co-stars has raised enough to give tickets away to children and young people who otherwise wouldn’t get the chance to see the show.

Eden Court teamed up with the charity Who Cares Scotland? to distribute the tickets to families and groups in the Highlands.

Mr Allan said: "A trip to the pantomime is a festive tradition for lots of families and for many of us it's our first experience of live theatre, which we’ll never forget. Sadly not everybody is as fortunate so I wanted to do something to help more children enjoy a magical time."

Along with dancers Sophie Donald, Emily Chapman and Eden Court’s head of engagement Lucy McGlennon, Mr Ross ran the Inverness Half Marathon in March to raise money for the appeal. In November, Eden Court audiences and supporters were asked to help double the total by making donations when buying tickets.

According to Alison Logsdail, Eden Court’s head of fundraising and philanthropy, there was huge demand for the tickets.

"We are delighted that so many children and young people are going to benefit, but it is sad to know that there are so many families struggling at this time of year," she said.

"We are very grateful to everyone who kindly donated to our appeal and helped to spread a little joy this Christmas."

Beauty and the Beast is at Eden Court until January 5.


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