Passengers departing from Inverness Airport this month will find something new in the departure lounge.
A “Pop-up Piano” has been installed by a local charity to provide seasonal entertainment to travellers.
An initiative of the Liam Colgan Music Fund, a rota of local pianists will be entertaining the passengers in the departure lounge, and at other times passengers themselves will be invited to “play and donate”. Distancing arrangements will be in place, and wipes will be provided for players to sanitise the piano and stool before and after they play.
Roger Niven, a trustee of the Liam Colgan Music Fund said: “The Fund was set up in memory of Liam, a young musician and song writer based in Inverness and who tragically died in 2018. The Fund is dedicated to helping aspiring young Highland musicians and others keen on pursuing ambitions in the music and creative industries.
“We thought it would be a great idea to put a public piano in the airport to promote the Fund and encourage donations. Loch Ness Pianos have kindly provided and installed the piano in the departure lounge for us and we want people of all ages who can play to get up and entertain their fellow passengers while they’re waiting.”
Since its launch in October 2020, the Fund has helped establish two awards for music graduates at the University of the Highlands and Islands, provided internships and work experience placements for students as well as running a series of workshops for young songwriters, and is currently running a Young Musician 2021 and Young Songwriter 2021 Awards.
Graeme Bell, Inverness airport general manager, said: “For a number of years we’ve arranged for a pianist in our arrivals and departure area at Christmas, and it’s always been a highlight for our passengers – and our staff.
“When we were approached by the Liam Colgan Music Fund this year, we took the opportunity to combine the joy of live music with raising funds and awareness for this important local charity. We have had some fantastic playing already this week and look forward to a lot more!”
Find out more about the Liam Colgan Music Fund.