Community / Shetland and Orkney join forces for livestreamed fundraising weekend
THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised to send a Shetland team to the Scottish learning disability sports games in July thanks to a musical weekend helped along by fundraisers from Orkney.
Two events in Gulberwick on Friday night and Skeld on Saturday were hosted by Friends of Stoneworks Orkney, which raises money for Orcadian charities.
They came to Shetland three years ago to host a local fundraiser and were happy to return this weekend for another go.
John Hamilton and Ann Sutherland from Friends of Stoneworks Orkney host a live video on Facebook every Friday night, which includes performances from musicians.
Both the Gulberwick and Skeld events were showcased on their live feed, with a total of five and a half hours of live music streamed online.
Funds raised will go towards supporting the Shetland team which will take part in the Scottish Learning Disability Sports Games in Stirling in July with Ability Shetland.
Two of the athletes attending the games – Leanna and Gareth – came along on Friday night to join in with the fun and games.
Fans and followers either came along to the Gulberwick and Skeld halls or joined in watching online, some tuning in from as far away as America and New Zealand.
Each live feed had more than 20,000 views.
Jean Thomson is said to be an avid fan and she came from Unst to Skeld on Saturday night to meet John in person.
She said he has cheered up many a Friday night with his Orkney banter.
Musicians young and old came from all over Shetland to take part too, and at one point on Saturday night there was 20 on stage.
Some guisers also made an appearance at Skeld on Saturday night.
Organisers wished to say thank you to everyone for their support and donations, and to all the musicians for playing all weekend.
Donations can also be made on an online JustGiving page.
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