Winner's praise for 'exceptional souls' at SNAP Stars in their Eyes talent show in Inverness
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The winner of an Inverness charity talent show has praised the "exceptional souls" that inspired her victory at the Kingsmills Hotel last night.
Taking a lead from the classic TV show Stars in their Eyes, where contestants are transformed into their favourite singers, kids charity Special Needs Action Project (SNAP) hosted their own version of the talent show – combining performances from nine Highland hopefuls with a night of fun, fine dining and fundraising.
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Thanks to a bumper crowd of guests and supporters in the run up to the night, a total of over £30,000 has been raised for the vital Highland charity – which runs youth events, clubs and activities for youngsters with additional support needs.
STV's Nicola McAlley was the host for the evening, with judging capably provided by Rebecca Holt, chief executive of Eden Court Highlands, Morven Reid, chair of Inverness Musical Theatre Company and James Cook, head teacher at Cawdor Primary School.
Wowing the crowd with her portrayal of Amy Winehouse's You Know I'm No Good, performing arts teacher and actor, Heather Davidson took the top prize after the room took a vote and judges agreed upon a final decision.
A modest Ms Davidson applauded the event for its "wonderful" atmosphere.
Ms Davidson said: "I somehow managed to bring home the trophy, which is wild considering the talent in the room last night!
"It was a fun night and was just so lively, and it was all about SNAP. What an incredible charity, a brilliant event and what a wonderful bunch of people in one room. I have met some of the most exceptional souls – the young people at SNAP are such a blast to be around.
"I cannot begin to encapsulate what this charity does for people all across the Highlands and how much they deserve every penny they get."
Despite her past experience on the stage and her role as a teacher with Performers UK, Ms Davidson does not credit herself as a singer – and sought inspiration to overcome her fear of taking on the challenge, from one of her own students.
She said: "I have always been more of a dancer and actor. Singing has always been the most challenging and nerve-racking part of performing for me.
"But people on the night were so supportive. Even if I got up there and messed it up, no one was going to laugh and point at me. Everyone was cheering each other on, no matter what happened.
"I dedicate my award to one of my own students Sophia, who I teach through Performers UK. She won last year's competition along with her Dad and this year she led the SNAP choir. She had the confidence to go up and take on that challenge, and it spurred me on.
"The SNAP choir really started the night off by showing what the charity is all about, facilitating people to have the capacity to perform who otherwise might not have the opportunity to do it.
"You look at someone like Sophia who has broken all of those barriers. She is one of the most successful young people in Inverness just now. She was a big inspiration for me, and she was the one person I sought the approval of on the night."
There was a standing ovation for the SNAP choir – which featured children who have had support from the charity – as they kicked off the evening with a heart warming performance, singing the Frank Sinatra classic, High Hopes.
The ensemble were pulled together by last year's winners, High Life Highland chief executive Steve Walsh and his daughter Sophia.
Combined with funds raised on the night via auction and raffle, each performer had been tasked with running their own fundraising campaign in anticipation of the event.
The singer with the highest funds total was Alex Flanagan, who by day works as operations director for Stagecoach in the North of Scotland. By night, he masqueraded as country singer Luke Combs.
There were performances also from Caroline Devine as Karen Carpenter, Paul Leslie as Liam Gallagher, Linsey Stein as Sharleen Spiteri, Colene Watt as Celine Dion, Laura McKnight as Alanis Morissette and Fran Walmsley as Eva Cassidy.
Gordon Home and Andy Cameron were the only double act, performing as the famous brother duo, the Proclaimers.
For more information on SNAP Inverness visit snapinverness.org.uk.
