Around 160 people contributed to the fundraising efforts of a Strictly Inverness dance duo at a family ice skating disco.

Dancers Kaitlyn Heggie, from Inverness, and Emma MacDonald, from Muir of Ord, staged the event at Inverness Ice Centre.

• 'Rare brain condition will not control me' – Strictly Inverness dancer's efforts are tribute to grandad

• Strictly Inverness 2024 diary: Host with the most expects a fierce competition

• Sign up to our free newsletters

It generated about £1000 towards their ongoing fundraising efforts to aid the annual dance contest's organisers and hosts, Highland Hospice and the ice centre.

"It raised a lot more donations than we ever expected," said Emma (34).

Gallery1

"We were so happy with the turn out and all the amazing feedback from everyone.

"I didn't plan on going on the ice but we both felt we had to at least do a lap and join in the fun."

Alongside Kaitlyn (18), they are learning a salsa and a musical theatre number, as well as a group dance ahead of the contest in May. They are among the contest's first same-sex dance partnerships.

They have more fundraising events lined up:

• Curling event, March 1, Inverness Ice Centre
• Boozy bingo, March 15, Chieftain Hotel, Inverness
• Dinner dance, April 13, Nairn Community & Arts Centre

Click here to donate.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.