MORE than £8,500 was raised on an emotional night of music in memory of a talented opera singer who sadly passed away two years ago.

Kerry McKechnie, from West Kilbride, sadly passed away in April 2021 following a brain aneurysm, and a fund was set up to continue her legacy.

The Kerry McKechnie Singers Fund aims to provide financial awards to aspiring young singers in Scotland – and over £8,000 was raised in the weeks after her death.

Talented musicians came together for a fundraising night at The Waterside, with The Only Band in the Village the star performance of the evening – a charity band that Kerry set up.

Kerry’s husband Robert admits it was an emotional evening, but has hailed the musicians for giving their all to raise funds in memory of his late wife.

He said: “For me, and I’m sure many of those in the audience, it was an emotional but amazing night.

“A big thanks to Kael Brown on guitar for getting things going with a wonderful solo performance, and then we had the young team from Ocean View who brought great sound and energy.

“The Only Band in the Village absolutely nailed it with a brilliant setlist, and I have to thank you for putting a lot of time and effort into rehearsing over the past few weeks.

“There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Maria McKechnie sang followed by a wonderful performance from both Maria and Jenna Innes.

“Callum Armstrong flew in specially from Australia to belt out an Oasis number, before the band then continued to play some barnstormers.”

Robert has thanked everyone for their support, with the event raising more than £8,000 which will allow the charity to provide support to tens of youngsters looking to a career in music.

He said: “I’d like to thank all of those who attended and contributed for their enormous generosity and support.

“We don’t yet have a final total of funds raised but it’s likely to be in the region of £8,500 which is absolutely incredible.

“All of that goes straight into the Kerry McKechnie Singers Fund enabling us to provide much-needed financial support to many young singers throughout Scotland.

“There are so many people to thank but you all know who you are, and I honestly couldn’t have done it without you.”

Kerry was born and raised in California, before completing her Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Austin in Texas.

She moved to West Kilbride where she taught at the Glasgow Academy for Musical Theatre Arts, and also worked as a vocal coach at West College Scotland.

Robert added: “Kerry was an inspirational, loving and dedicated teacher and role model for her students.

“She valued good teaching and championed disadvantaged students, ensuring that they had proper coaching and access to facilities and technology.”

Donations to the Kerry McKechnie Singers Fund can be made at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kerrys-fund.