Start your day with a song: early morning singing sessions planned in Bigton

Chris Cope

29 March 2023 16:37

An aerial shot of the Bigton Kirk. Photo: George Irvine

PEOPLE will be able to start their day with a musical spring in their step at the beginning of April by coming together with others to sing in Bigton – all before the clock strikes 9am.

The former Bigton kirk, now a community hub called Hymhus, will host group singing sessions every day between Saturday 1 April and Friday 7 April, from 8am to 8.30am.

It is being put on by the Bigton Singers, a group formed around ten years ago which meets on Monday nights.

Anyone who has never been to the singing group is welcome to attend, and folk of all abilities – from anywhere in Shetland – can come along.

Organiser Alice Ritch said: “It occurred to me that it would be nice to do something different with the Easter holidays coming, and it’s been a tough winter for a lot of folk in Shetland.

“I figured that it would be nice to experiment with what it would be like to sing every morning for half an hour, and see if folk notice the benefits of it. It would just be a lightsome challenge at this time of year.”

She said there are plenty of people who have been told at some point in their life that they cannot sing, but these folk are especially encouraged to come along.

It comes amid research that proves the benefits of singing on health and wellbeing.

“We’re not trying to make any kind of performance – it’s just about folk having the chance to explore their own voice, and just to notice the impact that has on their health and how they feel for the rest of the day,” Ritch said.

The material which will be sung is expected to include a mix of warm-up pieces and some harmony songs.

The sessions are being timed so that people may be able to drop by on their way to work.

Alternatively, anyone wanting to stick around Bigton is also encouraged to enjoy the area after – by walking the loop, for example, or heading to the St Ninian’s beach.

There is a suggested donation of £2 per day, and there is no obligation to attend every morning session.