Fiddler's licence to thrill
A WELL-KNOWN Tarland fiddler was given a 'licence to thrill' James Bond by invitation of First Minister Alex Salmond.
Paul Anderson and his wife Shona performed for former Bond star Sir Sean Connery ahead of his 80th birthday as part of an Edinburgh International Film Festival dinner.
Sir Patrick Stewart and Ugly Betty actress America Ferrera were also present at the dinner, which took place at Edinburgh Castle last month.
Paul, the musical director of His Majesty's Theatre's Sunset Song production in 2008, wrote two new tunes in honour of Sir Sean's 80th birthday. One, a slow air, called 'Sir Sean Connery's Farewell to Edinburgh' or 'Sir Sean Connery's Farewell tae Auld Reekie' and a reel, simply called 'Sir Sean Connery'.
The Tarland fiddler, who is currently on tour in America, said it was a fantastic experience to perform for 007.
He said: "Alex Salmond had invited myself and Shona to play at the dinner and we were thrilled to do so.
"Even though I had written the piece of music myself it still takes time to familiarise yourself with it. That was my only worry about playing at the dinner but it went really well. I was buzzing afterwards at the positive reception to the song.
"I presented the music to Sir Sean Connery afterwards and he was very pleasant. The thing that struck me was what a big man he is. I'm six foot and he must be at least six foot two and he had a real presence about him for someone who is nearing 80."
Paul added: "David Murray from Rangers FC, the Ugly Betty actress America Ferrera and Sir Patrick Stewart were also there. Sir Patrick Stewart was telling us that his grandfather was Scottish and that he got his first kilt last year. He was a a very nice man.
"You don't often get to do jobs like that one but it was great fun and a tremendous experience."
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Weather for Banchory
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 4 C
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Temperature: 2 C to 4 C
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