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Forres’ Strictly Inverness contestant John Simpson is helping to raise funds for Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre





A local energy advisor is charging up for a fundraising regional dance contest.

John Simpson from Roysvale, Forres is training for the 14th edition of annual charity competition Strictly Inverness, in aid of Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre who organise and host the event.

John dressed to impress for a wedding.
John dressed to impress for a wedding.

He said: “I wanted to try something new and push myself so I thought why not? I enjoy a challenge and raising money for a brilliant cause - Highland Hospice do amazing work and make such a massive difference in the area.

“All of the staff who run strictly have been very supportive. It's great to be able to contribute to such a brilliant charity but also do something fun at the same time.”

A total of 32 dancers from Moray and the Highlands were put into pairs during an opening event at Loch Ness Country House. Each couple will learn two dances, plus a group dance.

After professional tutoring, the group will be split into two, with each competing in eight-couple semi-finals. The top four in each will compete in the final at the ice rink in front of 600 people on May 17, where Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden will join the judging panel.

Other than enjoying a boogie on nights out, John otherwise has no formal dancing experience. Thankfully he and his dance partner Laura Archibald from Inverness are committed to a lesson every Wednesday and two on Sundays at Merkinch Community Centre and Eden Court.

Strictly Inverness 2025 - Team Thursday Couples Laura Archibald and John Simpson Picture: Callum Mackay.
Strictly Inverness 2025 - Team Thursday Couples Laura Archibald and John Simpson Picture: Callum Mackay.

John said: “Laura is so lovely. We're still getting to know each other but she is one of the most driven people I know and has been a pleasure to dance with.

“So far, we've just been learning a few basic steps and trying to time them to the music. It's nice, because we've had choice with our tutors as to how we want to do things.”

The pair’s dances are jazz and jive - the group dance has a theme which will be revealed during the shows in May.

“The jive is so fast,” said John. “It’s a challenge to work out positioning, timing and dancing with someone new, but it's also fun and so rewarding when you get it right! Jazz has been a little more straightforward so far but we haven't had many lessons yet.

“I've really loved the group dance training too - it's been nice to find out how everyone is doing.”

Readers can also sponsor John via the QR code.
Readers can also sponsor John via the QR code.

Thankfully John is already fit, taking part in parkruns when he can in Elgin and his hometown of Forfar. He has also signed up for the Inverness Half Marathon in March as part of his fundraising, which he will be doing in fancy dress.

“It's great to be able to do something fun alongside the challenging dancing,” said John. “I'm holding a fundraising quiz at the Mosset Tavern on Saturday, March 8 - 7.30 for an 8pm start, £5 per person with teams of up to six.

“I've also committed to wearing some interesting outfits such as the Highland Hospice bee costume while fundraising outside Tesco on February 15. I’ll also be wearing a metallic, disco-style onesie at upcoming parkruns and the half marathon.”

John’s wife Catherine Gemmell has been suggesting ideas for fundraising, offering help for events and helping him practice his dance moves around their house.

“She tells me how proud she is of me,” said John, “and although she is more outgoing than me, she doesn't think Strictly is something she would be able to do, so is supporting me as much as she can!”

John is most excited about the spectacle of the Strictly inverness 2025 final.

He finished: “I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone in their outfits and watching their dances which - apart from the group dance - will be new for us too.

“The whole experience is very authentic and I want to show people what I can do. As a ginger, it will be interesting to have to fake tan for the first time though!”

To sponsor John, visit www.justgiving.com/page/johnsimpsonstrictly.


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