SCOTS actor Kevin McKidd, whose credits include Trainspotting, Rome, Grey's
Anatomy and forthcoming Disney/Pixar animation Brave, has spoken of his latest
project – an album of traditional Scottish folk songs.
All proceeds from the Speyside Sessions album, recorded in a house on the
banks of the Spey, will go to Save the Children.
McKidd has raised money for the charity before, taking part in a fast-a-thon
and the Tough Mudder challenge – a Royal Marine-styled obstacle course.
The album, released tomorrow, consists of 14 traditional folk songs and has
been put together with the help of Bryan Tolland, formerly of Del Amitri, and
producer/composers Nick Lloyd-Webber and James D Reid. The album also features
performances from Scots fiddler Paul Anderson and a wealth of Scottish vocal and
musical talent.
Elgin-born McKidd said he recorded the album to pay tribute to his late
grandfather, Geordie Runcie, who often sang traditional Scots songs to him as
child. He said his grandfather "could hold a packed pub of bevvied locals
enthralled with his storytelling and singing".
Douglas Hamilton, Save the Children's Head of Scotland, praised McKidd and
said: "It's not just the album but everything else he's done over the past few
years for the charity, raising huge amounts of money, as well as our profile –
and it's brilliant to have him here in Scotland."
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