Fit a rare nicht in Elgin Toon Hall on Setterday 8th February 2025 as the 42nd Bothy Ballads Champion o Champions competition seen some o’ the finest singers o’ the North East tak tae the stage. This key event in our Bothy Ballad tradition is hosted by Ellon Rotary Club, and sponsored by Glen Moray Whisky. Ellon Rotary Club wid also like to thank Keith Community Radio, Walkers of Aberlour, Cafe @ The Warehouse, MacBeths of Forres, Benzies, and to all who attended the event. Wi a crackin’ turnout an a room foo o fine voices, and entertainment, it wis a nicht tae be remembered.
Compere Rober Lovie did a first class job guiding the audience through the ambitious timetable of performers. First up wis an articulate “Doric presentation” fae Buckie school children. Thoughout the evening a fine variety of musical entertainment was provided by Kerry and Sarah Alexander, sisters on Fiddle, Accordion and Piano, and also fae Charlie Abel on accordion, fa also joined Robert Love in a duet o “Lonely at Nicht the Bothy”, that well kent Charlie Allan sang.
Half time stovies were included and ilka biddy mentioned fit fine they were!
This year’s champion wis Geordie Murison, fa stole the show wi a richt braw rendition o Ian Middleton’s poem to a melody Geordie chose, Drumdelgie Nae Mair. Iss sang, foo o feelin an fine Doric verse, fair won ower the judge an the crowd alike.
The competition wis nae short o talent, wi ilka singer giein their aw tae the auld tales o fairm life, hard wark, an a bittie guid fun. The finalists pit up a strong fecht for the title an delivered some rare performances, makin it nae an easy job for the judge, oor ain Charlie Abel.
A massive thanks tae the organisers, the judges, an, maist o a’, the singers fa keep this gran tradition alive. The nicht wis aboot mair than jist the competition – it wis aboot celebrating oor Doric culture an the sangs that hae been passed doon through generations.
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