Coronavirus in Scotland: Virtual Halloween concert set to raise funds for Falkirk care home

Dougie, who is best known for his Burns’ supper appearances in town, will be hosting an online spook-themed event this Saturday, Halloween, to raise funds for Carrondale Care Home’s minibus appeal.

The event will be open to everyone and will be streamed via Dougie’s Facebook page, ‘One man and his Doug.’ It will take place in the evening at around 7:30pm until 10:30pm.

Dougie, who has been doing online gigs every Saturday night throughout lockdown with an average crowd of around 100-150 people, said: “This time, I’m encouraging everyone to dress up and get their kids involved.

"There will be prizes for the three best fancy dress costumes and a prize for the best pumpkin.

"It will be a laugh; a wee sing-song, some ghosty songs, a couple of ghosty poems and my son - who dresses up as the ghost of Robert Burns - maybe he’ll make an appearance?”

The event will be streamed live from Zetland Park Pavilion in Grangemouth which Dougie plans to give a monster makeover to. People will be able to post pictures of their Halloween costumes in the Facebook Live comment section and Dougie will take these entries to the home the next day so they can choose the winners.

The Falkirk singer, who has never asked for money during his usual online gigs, is now asking the online spookfest attendees to donate what they can via a JustGiving link he will post on his Facebook page during the night.

All funds raised will be put towards buying a new minibus for the home which will enable residents to go on outdoor trips across Scotland.

Speaking about his reasons for doing the Halloween event, Dougie said:

"I’m a civil celebrant and I did a funeral service for one of the residents and her sister was telling me how absolutely wonderful the staff were in the care home and the care her sister got was second to none. I’ve also known one of residents all my life so it’s nice to help out the community.”

Dougie previously hosted a Facebook fundraising event for Strathcarron Hospice through which he raised a total of £6,200 for the end of life service.

“I’m worried that now people won’t have any money because of the pandemic but I hope if it’s in the paper this will give us a better chance.” said Dougie.

He added: “I really hope I can help them with their bus - it would be amazing for the older folk to get away for a wee trip to somewhere like Callander or around the lochs.

"I’ll really do my best for them.”

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