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Elgin Town Hall playing host to Bothy Ballads champion of champions contest





Traditional songs, humour and storytelling will take centre stage when the Bothy Ballads return to Elgin Town Hall next month.

The 42nd champion of champions contest on Saturday, February 8, will see the winners of six regional heats compete for the famous ‘porridge bowl and spoon’ trophy.

The final, organised by Elgin Rotary, will follow the well-honed pattern of each champion singing a personal favourite in the first half, followed by their competition entry in the second.

Talking them through their performances will be compere Robert Lovie, a singer himself, while Charlie Abel from Aberdeen will provide the judging.

Extra musical entertainment will be come from ex-Fochabers Fiddlers, Kerry and Sarah Alexander.

Donald Lunan (left) and Martin Birse ahead of the 2025 Bothy Ballads at Elgin Town Hall. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.
Donald Lunan (left) and Martin Birse ahead of the 2025 Bothy Ballads at Elgin Town Hall. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

As ever, there will be a dram – Glen Moray Distillery are official sponsors for a second year – and a plate of stovies, included in the £18 ticket price.

Martin Birse from Elgin Rotary reckons this represents great value.

He said: “You get champion singers, top exponents of fiddle music, delightful kids reciting in Doric, plus stories and laughter from Robert Lovie's repartee.

“There’s also a quality malt whisky, the best of tatties from Benzies and the best of beef from Macbeth’s of Forres in your plate of stovies, with Walkers oatcakes.

“You might even win one of the dramatic hamper raffle prizes.”

The current champion Peter Buchanan will be back to defend his title against this year’s other finalists: Allan Taylor (Aberdeen); Geordie Murison (Turriff); Shona Donaldson (Keith); Peter Chapman (Srichen) and Natalie Chalmers (Stonehaven).

Donald Lunan (left) and Martin Birse ahead of the 2025 Bothy Ballads at Elgin Town Hall. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.
Donald Lunan (left) and Martin Birse ahead of the 2025 Bothy Ballads at Elgin Town Hall. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

The event will also be even bigger event thanks in part to a competition run in the Buckie area to promote spoken Doric.

Children from St Peter’s and Cluny primary schools will have the town hall stage for 10 minutes at the start of the evening.

Marian Evans, Rotary Elgin’s president, said: “I’m sure they will be not just a delight to hear, but also an inspiration to keep traditional language alive, just as the Bothy Ballads keep traditional North East music and storytelling alive.”

Tickets can be purchased online from Rotary Elgin or from the town hall, who’s box office is also open between 10am-noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

All profits will go to charities promoted by Rotary, both locally and internationally.


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