Musical duo scale the heights

Two young Lochaber musicians – who come from the same village – have scaled the heights of success and scored top prizes.

Ivan Davies and Francesca Rose won Young Musician of the Year awards at Lochaber Music Festival.

The two, who hail from Roy Bridge, came first in the Junior Musician award and Young Musician of the Year senior competition respectively. Both awards were sponsored by the local Rotary Club.

Ivan plays both cello and piano, while Francesca also plays the cello.

They were invited to play at the concert which traditionally ends the festival. During the event, 25 pieces were played, sung and recited by children of all ages.

Both pupils of Lochaber High and Lochaber Music Schools, Ivan and Francesca received a trophy and prize each from local Rotary Club past president, Terry Lee.

He said: “The end-of-festival concert really was a wonderful evening of great musical entertainment.” Lochaber Music Festival committee chair, Lilian MacDonald, said: “The closing concert was very successful and really showcased the range of musical talent we have locally.

“It is always great to see the progression of the talented young musicians we have here in Lochaber.”