Redding singer to hold five-hour online show for Strathcarron Hospice

Redding singer Dougie Smith will try to cram in as many tracks and requests as he can during his Facebook Live set this Saturday (5pm) with the aim of supporting a care service which is close to his heart.

The Singalongathon for Strathcarron is being dedicated to Bill Laird, the father of Dougie’s friend Fiona Young, who died last week and was looked after by nurses at the Fankerton-based service.

Originally from Carronshore, Dougie knows just how vital a role the hospice plays in the area and has held various fundraising events on its behalf.

As an asthamtic, Dougie has been self-isolating for seven weeks amid the lockdown and, while it’s proved tough, he admits the time spent alone has given him a chance to try his hand at new numbers.

A run of virtual performances have been lapped up by his fans and friends online and the musician is hopeful this weekend’s show will be just as popular and help add to the £2200 already raised.

Dougie said: “I know a lot of amazing people who were cared for in this amazing hospice. They need every penny they can get.

“I’ve been doing gigs for the last seven weeks. They’ve been amazing and I’ve had 150 to 200 people watching every one on Facebook.

“It’s a bit of everything. I take requests and I’ve got a week to learn them.

“I’ve been doing songs for all my older friends who have lost husbands or wives and playing their spouse’s favourite.

“I’m a celebrant as well so I’ve done lots of funerals and know lots of people.

“I’ve got a friend who’s almost 80 and I know she loves Tighnabruaich and I’ve been doing those kind of songs for her.

“My target was £300 and I’m at over £2000. I’d like to thank everybody who’s been listening to me because they’ve kept me going.”

Dougie also gave a special mention to his life-long friend Craig Porteous for his ongoing support.

Click here to donate to the Singalongathon for Strathcarron.

To watch the performance, visit Dougie’s Facebook page.