Trainspotting star Kevin McKidd teams up with MP Angus Robertson to launch folk album in aid of charity

ACTOR Kevin McKidd is to release a charity album of folk music described as a “love letter to Scotland” which features MP Angus Robertson on backing vocals.

The Moray-born actor teamed up with friends including Del Amitri musician Bryan Tolland, producer/composer Nick Lloyd-Webber and the SNP MP to create the Speyside Sessions.

Actor Ewan McGregor has voiced a short teaser video for the album.

All proceeds from the sale of Speyside Sessions will go to Save the Children, which McKidd regularly fundraises for.

McKidd did guitar and vocals on most of the 14 tracks on the album, which includes traditional ballads and reels.

He said: “The most important thing is that it’s all for Save the Children.

“What’s great about Scottish folk music is that it’s a niche market, but hopefully I’ll be able to get people listening to this that wouldn’t normally”.

The album was recorded during an intense week at Hogmanay in a house in Moray, on the banks of the River Spey.

Douglas Hamilton, head of Scotland at Save the Children, said: “The album sounds totally unique and we’re honoured that Kevin has chosen to do this for Save the Children.

“What’s fantastic is that it was entirely Kevin’s own idea and we know that it hasn’t been easy to organise.

“It’s not just the album but everything else he’s done over the past few years for the charity, raising huge amounts of money, as well as our profile - and it’s brilliant to have him here in Scotland”.

SNP MP Mr Robertson was involved in singing backing vocals.

He said: “The Speyside Sessions is a great collection of Scottish music and will hopefully raise significant funds for Save the Children.

“Kevin McKidd and everyone involved in the project deserve a lot of praise in making the album come about.

“The songs and melodies are performed by some of the best musicians from the north of Scotland and it was great fun being a part of the recordings.”