Paolo’s guitar is sweet music to Eilidh fundraisers

Sep 14 2011 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Wednesday

FANS of Paolo Nutini will have the chance to bid for his signed guitar, donated by the musician himself to the family of Stirling teenager Eilidh Brown.

Paolo gave them the guitar after hearing of the 15-year-old’s death from cancer, and of her family’s intention to fundraise to build a respite cabin in the Stirling area for young people and their families going through a similar experience.

Purchasing the guitar – which will be among the lots at a charity art auction and exhibition later this month – will give someone the opportunity to own a piece of Scotland’s music history.

Art For Eilidh takes place at Strathallan Castle on Friday, September 30.

The auction will be conducted by Anita Manning, currently appearing in the BBC2 programme Antiques Road Trip, and features artworks by some of Scotland’s top artists, along with a number of other items, including the guitar donated by Paisley-raised songsmith Paulo.

The artists featured in the exhibition include several local to the area including Iona Leishman, Stirling Castle’s first artist-in-residence, and Darren Rees, a winner in the DSWF Wildlife Artist of the year 2010.

The exhibition also provides the opportunity to visit the stunning, privately owned Strathallan Castle near Gleneagles. The early 19th Century Baronial castle and 1000 acre estate, recently featured in BBC’s Don’t Tell the Bride, is not open to the public and has been kindly donated for the night by owner Anna Roberts.

Tickets for the event are £25 and are automatically entered into a prize draw on the night. Prizes include lunch in an Edinburgh restaurant and a magnum of champagne. For further information see www.eilidhbrown.co.uk or call 01786 470959 to purchase tickets.