Following the huge success of last year’s event, I am planning a return to Kirkwall’s St Magnus Cathedral this Hogmanay to give the people of Orkney, plus seasonal visitors alike, another special Hogmanay Concert.

I was astonished at how full the cathedral was last year, the atmosphere was really magical, so I simply had to come back and I’m really looking forward to catching up with folk and celebrating Hogmanay together again in such wonderful surroundings.

I will once again be joined at the piano by fellow Orcadian Laurence Wilson. It’s an incredible privilege to have him play the St Magnus Festival’s Steinway model D concert grand, in St. Magnus Cathedral.

We were absolutely blown away by the response we got last year, and we really hope that this will become an annual event in the Orkney calendar. It would really be great if we had a full house again – It really is the perfect way to start the celebrations before the big night!”

My ‘Reel Fiddlers’, a collection of local talented past and present music students of all ages, will form an accompanying ensemble for the performance.

The Hogmanay Concert is suitable for an all-ages audience and will begin at 2:30 in the afternoon of Sunday 31st December, with the doors to the cathedral opening from 2pm.

Admission is free and booking is not required, though there will be a retiring collection after the performance.
PLUS, all concertgoers will be offered a free peedie taster dram to takeaway, along with a free souvenir whisky glass, thanks to a generous donation from event sponsors, Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky.