PICTURES: Strictly Inverness star Craig’s ceilidh boost fundraiser for Highland Hospice and ice centre

A ceilidh evening showcasing local talent has raised £1100 for a Strictly Inverness competitor’s charity effort in memory of his late sister.

The cash raised by Craig Watson at Saturday evening’s Ceilidh Dance with Susie Simpson and Friends at Loch Ness Country House Hotel will go to the Strictly charities Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre.

Craig, a patent attorney who grew up in Inverness, lost sister Anna to cancer in 2021.

Now based in Aberdeen, he is making weekly 200-mile round trips to join dance partner Clare MacDonald for practice sessions for the 2024 dance contest.

In what was his first significant event fundraiser, more than 50 attended with Susie Simpson and Friends providing music along with a set from a group of 12 from Inverness Fiddlers.

Freya Watt also captivated the gathering with a performance on clarsach and Craig, himself, gave a performance on the bagpipes.

Craig said: “It was a very good evening and, by all accounts everyone had a very enjoyable evening with some fine music and dancing.”

David Love won the naming rights by auction for a Susie Simpson composition of a Scottish tune. In consultation with the immediate family, David chose to call the piece ‘Anna’s Joy’.

Craig’s next big event is Strictly Come Quizzing, a quiz night held at the Farr Hall in Inverarnie from 7-9pm on Saturday, April 27.

The late Anna’s good friends Laura Shewan and Gillian Harper are taking a lead role in proceedings.

With a £10 entry fee, there will also be a raffle, half-time tea and home baking as well as a ‘bring your own bottle’ refreshments policy.

Teams of up to five can enter and compete for a variety of prizes.

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