River City and Small Faces star Iain Robertson has teamed up with old pals to help produce a new single for charity, 'Leave a Light On'.
The Celtic Ballad, written and performed by fellow actor Kevin McKidd's Speyside Sessions Band, was released today (Monday) and aims to fundraise for the Trussell Trust and Help Musicians UK.
McKidd, who features in the likes of Trainspotting and Grey's Anatomy, is the male lead vocalist on the single, and sings with Northern Irish musician, Mairead Carlin.
The song has been composed and produced by James D. Reid, and arranged and produced by Mairead’s husband Ronan Scolard.
The idea came about when old Elgin chums, James and Kevin were having a chat about wanting to do something to help and both had been very shocked by reports on empty food banks.
After a chat with Iain Robertson, a plan was hatched to pull together their old team from a previous, successful collaboration in 2012, The Speyside Sessions.
Iain said: "Kevin and I go way back, having worked together on Small Faces many moons ago.
"The original Speyside Sessions project holds a special place in my heart, as does this one.
"I was tasked with getting all of the individual film clips and directing the edit. It has been tricky to pull together within the confines of lockdown, but I’m very happy with the finished product.
"I know so many people are really struggling just now and I hope that we raise plenty of money to make a difference. This project has also been a reminder that despite the apparent loneliness of isolation, that there are ways to feel as close as ever and I take great hope in that.”
Kevin McKidd explained, "I had been looking for an excuse to get the old Speyside Sessions Band back together. It has been such a great experience to get the old Speyside Sessions Band back together. James has done a great job with writing ‘Leave a Light On’. He and Ronan Scolard had an uphill struggle to mix and produce this song with all the Quarantine restrictions and everyone being apart. But they did it brilliantly!’
"It was Iain Robertson’s idea to raise money for the Trussell Trust and support all of the Food banks across the UK. I hate to give the wee man credit of any kind in case it goes to his already big heid ,but in this case he was dead on and has helped immensely with the whole project.
"Then when we got Mairead on board, she suggested that we help raise money for Help Musicians UK. Another brilliant idea! She has been amazing to collaborate with and so talented. We are so lucky to have her on this single.
"If ever there was a time that we need Music, it’s now. I am very proud of the track and it has been a real honour to sing with Mairead and all of the old Speyside bunch again."
‘Leave a Light On’ has been released for download on iTunes and Google Play, and is available to stream via the likes of Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.
To donate to the charities, please visit the JustGiving fundraising page, HERE.
