PICTURES: Roaring success for Ness Factor 2022 as singing competition raises more than £108,000 for Highland Hospice
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CLASSIC hits of the 1980s were the soundtrack to the climax of a popular singing competition that generated £108,000 for Highland Hospice.
More than 250 people attended the Ness Factor final on Saturday night.
As the organising charity Highland Hospice celebrated its 35th anniversary, all nine finalists sang tunes from 1987.
The audience was wowed by the talent on show, with each contestant giving their all on the stage showcasing their talent and progression after three months of voice coaching and fundraising.
Gregor Matheson (42), from Muir of Ord, was the winner, captivating the audience at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness with his rendition of Dignity.
- WATCH: Gregor Matheson wins Ness Factor 2022 as event raises more than £108,000 for Highland Hospice
Afterwards, he said: “It’s amazing, I can’t believe that it has happened – big thanks to everyone, I am overwhelmed!
“I chose Dignity as I have loved that song since I was a little boy and I like to put my own spin on it.
“The Highland Hospice means so much to so many people. I just felt like doing my best to support them. I had close friends who used their services and I wanted to give back something to them.”
His voice coach, Tony Henry, said that it was the right person who won this year’s competition.
“This year’s Ness Factor has been fantastic, it has been an extraordinary experience.
“I think Gregor really needs to be recognised for the talent that he possesses and it’s an honour to coach him,” he said.
“I’ve been working with Gregor for the past three months, and I have witnessed his voice develop, grow from where he was to what he is doing now. He is really starting to blossom and become the artist that I feel he is going to be.”
Great performances with a retro vibe were also brought on stage by the other finalists Jennifer Urquhart, Andy Gill, Moira Black, Lisa Gray, Donna Fraser, Caitlin Farquhar, Stephen Laurie and Fiona Clark.
Thanks to the group’s efforts, the fundraising total was at £42,000 at the start of the night. However, further donations at the event, which included a special auction celebrating the hospice’s 35th anniversary and a hit or miss competition, more than doubled the amount.
Event organiser Emma Nicol said: “The level of performances was outstanding and it was amazing to see so many people here and watching from home. Well done to everyone!”
Lornagh Siegel first came up with the idea for Ness Factor in 2016 to help fund the hospice’s new unit. She said: “I feel so excited for tonight, it’s great to have the event back.
“It’s grown to being such a large event now – and everybody just loves it.”
n Find exclusive interviews from the event on our website and social media channels.
