A nostalgic painting harking back to the north-east’s farming heritage will be auctioned off during an upcoming celebration of the area’s agricultural past.
The Rotary Club of Elgin will host the 35th annual Bothy Ballads competition on Saturday, February 11.
The Doric singing contest is designed as a way of keeping the region’s musical history alive – and a Moray artist has embraced that spirit by donating one of his pieces to be sold at the concert.
Graeme Nairn, from Kingston, was inspired to paint The Grieve after discovering an evocative image while looking through a book of old photographs.
In years gone by, a grieve was in charge of overseeing work on farms – and they were often notorious for ruling with a rod of iron.
Mr Nairn said the painting captures the “dark strength of character” such men needed to manage those who worked the land and lived the bothy life.
He added: “I have been helping out with the Bothy Ballads as a graphic designer for years now, and when looking through a book of archive images from the north-east I was really struck by this character.
“The photo was taken around the 1920s or 1930s, and the image of the man was only about half an inch big, so painting a large-scale rendering of him was a challenge.”
Funds raised from the artwork’s sale will go towards the Rotary Club and bids can be made on the evening or in advance, via elginrotarymedia@outlook.com.
The contest is a “champion of champions” gathering, as the winners of six regional qualifying events compete with one another.
Tarland’s Shona Donaldson won the coveted porridge bowl and spoon prize at last year’s bash.
She will defend her crown next month against the cream of the north-east’s Doric balladeers.
Competition will come from Tarves entrant John Dickson, Peterhead’s Bill Gray, Finzean’s Hector Riddell, Turriff’s Moira Stewart and Allan Taylor, from Alford.
Professor Ian Russell, from Aberdeen’s Elphinstone Institute and singer, songwriter and broadcaster Frieda Morrison will serve as judges.
There will be a guest performance from BBC Radio Scotland’s young musician of the year, Robyn Stapleton.
Organisers say that tickets are selling fast, with only 100 remaining, but the last few can be purchased from Elgin Library.
