A Strictly Inverness contender enlisted one of Scotland’s most recognised and accomplished fiddle players to help raise more than £7000.

Stevie Strang, one of 32 dancers who will be strutting their stuff next month, invited Highland musician Duncan Chisholm to perform in concert as part of his fundraising efforts for the competition.

The award-winning fiddle player – who is also a friend of Mr Strang’s – appeared with fellow musicians Hamish Napier, Su-a Lee and Ross Ainslie before a 200-strong audience at Kirkhill venue, Achnagairn Castle.

It now brings the total raised so far by Mr Strang to more than £20,000.

The final total raised by all the Strictly Inverness dancers will be split between Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre.

Mr Strang (54), a scaffolding contracts manager for Mcdonald Scaffolding, was thrilled by the support of Duncan Chisholm who has played throughout the UK, Europe and the USA and was winner of the the 2018 Scots Trad Music Awards album of the year for his album Sandwood.

“He is a personal friend so the connection was there,” said Mr Strang, of Kiltarlity.

“He performed with three of his friends. It was a tremendous performance.

“I was over the moon.”

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Achnagairn Castle also provided the venue free of charge while the money raised from ticket sales was boosted by a silent auction and a whisky raffle.

Mr Strang signed up for Strictly Inverness to help raise money for “a great charity” and to step completely outside his comfort zone.

His dance partner is Natalie Marshall, a pupil support assistant at Drummond School in Inverness.

He is currently training at least five days a week for their individual dances – a tango and a jazz routine – as well as the group dance.

“All the dancers are training hard and putting in a massive commitment,” Mr Strang said.

“But at the end of the day it is for a great cause. It is taking me out of my comfort zone but I am really enjoying it.

“It is good fun and you meet a lot of nice people who make you feel at ease.”

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The ice centre will host the dance contest from May 10-13.

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