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Black Isle harpist plucks top music accolade

Abigail Millar-Todd
Abigail Millar-Todd

A Black Isle schoolgirl has been named Highland Young Musician of the Year.

Harpist Abigail Millar-Todd, a pupil at Fortrose Academy, claimed the title at the end of Sunday’s grand final held at Eden Court’s Maclean Room in Inverness.

A total of 12 musicians battled against each other during a prelim round on Sunday and six of those were invited to perform a 15-minute programme at the main evening event.

Instruments played throughout the weekend included the trombone, piano, violin, cello, flute, oboe, harp and tenor sax.

The five other finalists were Adam Forsythe, of Grantown Grammar School, Lewis Clarkson, of Millburn Academy, Zoe Hodi, of Aberdeen City Music School, Hattie McGregor, of Resolis Primary, and Amber-Rose Ness, of Inverness High School.

In addition to the winner receiving the Richardson Trophy for Musical Excellence, Zoe Hodi was runner-up on the violin and Hattie McGregor was judged the most promising talent on her cello.

All entrants for this competition are members of one or more of the Highland Young Musicians regional music groups, which are run on top of the council’s instrumental tuition service.

The judges commended the dedication and high standards of all the competitors and were impressed by the council’s continued support of the musical development of the region’s young people.

The audience was also treated to a violin programme from last year’s winner, Susannah Mack, formerly of Dingwall Academy, before she presented the crystal trophy to this year’s winner.

The competition is now in its ninth year and is open to all youngsters who are members of Highland Young Musicians groups.

Norman Bolton, Highland Council’s music development officer, said: “This competition provides an ideal opportunity for some of our most talented young musicians to compete at an extremely high level.

“Entrants this year cover a wide range of ages and instrumental disciplines.

“Although this is a competition, the atmosphere is positive and supportive and the determination to compete at this level is a credit to the dedication of all the entrants.”