Aberdeen’s Hogmanay to feature Trainspotting star

SCOTTISH actor Kevin McKidd will be part of the New Year celebrations at Aberdeen’s Music Hall on 31 December.

Aberdeen's Music Hall traditionally has a fireworks display during the New Year celebrations. Photo: VisitScotland

Celebrating its seventh year in 2015, A Traditional Scottish Hogmanay will bring together a host of new and established faces in celebration of the year ahead.

But while many will be familiar with Elgin-born McKidd’s silver-screen and TV performances, his acting ability isn’t the only reason for his presence at this event.

Event producer Paul Anderson said: “I’ve been friends with Kevin for a few years now and I was delighted when he agreed to be part of the show. Although he’s very well-known as an actor, most of the public wouldn’t know that he’s a great singer and he’s got a wonderful voice.”

Kevin McKidd. Picture: Steven Scott Taylor

The established actor first came into the limelight in the role of Tommy in Trainspotting in 1996. He has subsequently starred in Grey’s Anatomy as Dr Owen Hunt, as well as holding the role of Lucius Vorenus in the BBC/HBO drama Rome.

McKidd’s voice work has also included that of John “Soap” MacTavish in the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series, as well as a member of the Scottish Love Fist band in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

Aberdeen’s end of year celebration is compered by Robert Lovie, who sang the national anthem at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, music will be provided by the Johnnie Hardie Ceilidh Band and young Scots piper Calum Brown.

In addition, Scottish Singer of the Year 2009 Shona Donaldson will also perform on the night.

Sadly absent from the event will be international opera tenor Richard Morrison, whose planned appearance has been widely advertised.

Anderson added: “I’m obviously disappointed that Richard won’t be with us as he’s a fantastic singer and a lovely chap, but there’s been a change of circumstances at the opera company that he sings with in Germany and it’s impossible for him to be in Scotland for Hogmanay.

“However, we still have an unbelievably talented group of guest artists and it’s going to be a fantastic evening again.”

Tickets for the event, which starts at 7.30pm on Thursday 31 December, cost £19.80 and can be purchased from Aberdeen Performing Arts.