Michael Marra tribute at Celtic Connections festival

Songwriter Michael Marra's died in October after a long battle with cancer

The Celtic Connections festival is to stage a tribute concert to the late Scottish folk legend Michael Marra.

The 60-year-old singer-songwriter died at Dundee's Ninewells Hospital in October after a battle with cancer.

A concert celebrating his life and work will be staged at Glasgow's Royal Concert Haill on 28 January.

Artists appearing to pay tribute include Eddi Reader, Dougie MacLean, Pat and Greg Kane, Kris Drever and Aberfeldy's Riley Briggs.

Marra was born and raised in Dundee's Lochee area in 1952.

He rose to fame in the 1980s as a solo performer and became one of Scotland's most prolific songwriters.

'Unique talent'

He was also well known for his theatre work, writing the music for several plays and his own operetta.

Donald Shaw, artistic director of Celtic Connections, said: "Michael was a unique talent and a pivotal figure in the Scottish folk scene.

"Marra has performed in almost every festival since the inaugural one in 1994, so, we felt it was very important to pay tribute to the great man himself during the 20th anniversary year.

"Michael was someone who believed in the potential of future generations so in keeping with this, and Celtic Connection's award-winning education programme, proceeds from the concert will go towards the Marra Family's Appeal to start one of Sistema Scotland's Big Noise Orchestras in Dundee."