The parents of a tragic Moray teenager have honoured his love of music as they raised thousands towards a campaign aimed at saving lives in his name.
Gordon and Sandra McKandie have been left heartbroken by the death of 16-year-old Keiran, who was killed in a road accident in March.
The Elgin Academy pupil had been mountain biking with friends when he was struck by a car on the outskirts of Elgin.
After learning that the ambulance sent to treat Keiran took almost 30 minutes to arrive, Mr and Mrs McKandie vowed to ensure that roads police vehicles were equipped with potentially life-saving defibrillator machines.
After amassing £16,000 at a charity auction in June, the couple delivered a first batch of the devices to Elgin Police Station earlier this month.
Now, they want to roll the Keiran’s Legacy initiative out across Scotland.
They collected another £3,100 with a musical talent contest at Elgin’s Mansefield Hotel on Saturday.
An emotional evening concluded when Keiran’s cousin, Chloe Dalgarno, won after dazzling judges with an a capella French song and an Amy Winehouse cover.
Mrs McKandie said that 17-year-old Chloe’s family connection was hidden from judges so as not to sway their verdict.
She said: “She and Keiran were very close, as there was only eight weeks between them, so it was amazing that she won.
“There was a tremendous variety of talent, which was fitting because Keiran was into all kinds of music.
“Downhill mountain biking and music were his two main passions in life.”
Mrs McKandie added: “It was a hard night for us, that will never change, but we are glad it was so successful.
“Keiran was such a modest lad, I can’t imagine what he would think of all these people coming together for him.”
The contest was judged by Moray MSP Richard Lochhead, Keiran’s former Mosstowie Primary School headmaster, Gary Forgie, musician Nikki Henderson and downhill mountain bike racer Greg Williamson.
Mr Lochhead said: “The evening was very moving, it was a celebration of Keiran’s life as well as an opportunity to watch performances from some of the area’s most outstanding musical talents.”
Forres singer Sophie Matheson won second place, and piper Ross Clarke – who was a close friend of Keiran – came joint third with band The Rawies.
