Argyll voices boost Gaelic Choir Alba's Eurovision hopes

BBC weather presenter and award-winning singer Joy Dunlop from Connel will be leading Scotland's entry for this year's Eurovision Choir Of The Year at the weekend in Gothenburg.

 

Out of 35 choristers in Gaelic choir ALBA, nine others also come from Argyll. Members include Taynuilt's Davy and Audrey Paterson.

 

 

Joy, who performs as a soloist and is involved with other Gaelic choirs, was asked if she would put together a choir of Gaelic singers especially for the competition.

 

She said: 'It wasn't easy deciding who to include - there are so many talented choristers out there but I had to go with the people I thought were right for this very specific choir. This competition is such a wonderful way to showcase our Gaelic language and heritage across Europe and I feel so lucky to have been given this amazing opportunity.'

 

A total of 10 nations will be participating in the contest which is being held for only the second time and  will see the debuts of Scotland, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

 

BBC Alba will be broadcasting a documentary at 8.30pm on Thursday August 1, which will show the ALBA choir's preparations for the contest and then broadcast the actual competition live from Gothenburg at 7.30pm on Saturday August 3.

 

Other members are Donna Dugdale and Riona Whyte from Mull, Sileas Sinclair from Connel, Nicola Pearson from Oban, Fiona Munro from Ardrishaig, Ainsley Hamill from Cardross, and Hector Mackechnie from Lochaline.

 

Choir member Audrey Paterson said: 'I'm thrilled to have been chosen to represent Scotland.  It's a privilege to be part of a choir showcasing Gaelic to such a huge international audience.'