Two handcrafted musical instruments are being put up for auction to help raise valuable funds for those battling Cystic Fibrosis.
A bespoke Long Island guitar and a Mandocaster mandola created by Dr Ali Whiteford of Garrabost on Lewis are to be sold to the highest bidder in aid of The Leanne Fund.
Bids for the guitar will start from £600 and £400 for the mandola with anyone wishing to view the instruments being urged to contact the charity.
Creator Dr Whiteford explained the inspiration behind both pieces. He said: “The inspiration to make this instrument came a number of years ago whilst at a concert in the An Lanntair Arts Centre given by well-known local singer/songwriter/musician Willie Campbell. The immense amount of musical talent that lurks in these islands was the other inspiration.
“The mandola was designed and built as a result of a commission for a solid electric instrument but, subsequently, the commissioner sadly passed away. The instrument has elements of Stratocaster design in the neck end and scratch plate.”
Chrisetta Mitchell, Development Manager for The Leanne Fund said: “We are so grateful to Ali for offering to auction these beautiful instruments in aid of The Leanne Fund.
“They are stunning unique instruments and we’re sure there will be a lot of interest in them.”
Bids for both items should be lodged with the charity before 5pm on July 31st.
The charity was established in 2009 in memory of Leanne Mitchell offering special treats and a range of support services for young people affected by the condition.
