The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra held a pop-up performance at Union Square Aberdeen on Saturday 1st
April to raise funds for Aberdeen RNLI lifeboat station.
With a planned performance at the city’s Beach Ballroom on Sunday, April 2, The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra reached out to the local voluntary RNLI crew to plan a fundraising event in the city.
The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra is one of Scotland’s foremost musical organisations, made up of players from all over the country including the North-east. The orchestra’s twin objectives are the promotion of traditional Scottish music and raising money for partner charities, including the RNLI. Over its 43 years, its performances in the UK and abroad have raised over £1.25 million for charity.
On Saturday, the Orchestra could be found playing traditional jigs, marches, reels, strathspeys, and waltzes. The local lifeboat crew was in attendance and as well as collecting donations, turned their talents to dancing for a packed-out audience of shoppers. The pop-up concert raised £963 across both cash and electronic donations.
Bob Diament, Chairman of The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, said: “With a planned trip to the city, we wanted to do something to support a local charity and give the public the chance to get up close and personal with the orchestra.
“It was a fantastic day and we’re delighted by the amount of money raised. We really enjoyed how involved the RNLI crew got, entertaining the crowds with dances, and one of them, Chloe, even turned her hand and musical talents to pick up a fiddle and play with us. Thanks to the RNLI, the team at Union Square and the many generous folk who joined us for such a successful afternoon.”
Fiona Anderson, Chairperson of Aberdeen RNLI Lifeboat Management Group, commented: “We want to say a huge thank you to The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra for asking to partner with us to raise funds for the lifeboat station here in Aberdeen. Donations are vital to allow us to offer 24/7, 365 search and rescue services along the city’s rivers and coastline, without donations we cannot continue saving lives at sea.
“This was a really special event which we were delighted to be part of. On behalf of the RNLI in Aberdeen, thank you also to Union Square and all our volunteers on the day.”