Frightened Rabbit star inspires Selkirk choir in his memory

Frightened Rabbit frontman Scott Hutchison died in 2018, aged 36

A choir has been set up in memory of Frightened Rabbit singer Scott Hutchison in his home town.

The musician, who achieved huge success as the frontman of the rock band, took his own life in 2018 when he was 36.

Following his death his family and friends founded Tiny Changes to raise awareness of mental health issues and help others.

Selkirk Community Choir is the latest project to benefit from the charity's support.

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The group meets at Scott's former school in Selkirk and since it began in September, membership has reached close to 20.

Founder Sara Alakus said: "The idea of setting up the choir in Scott's memory was to improve people's wellbeing, and that's happening."

She was a pupil at Selkirk High School at the same time as Scott.

Creative learning officer Sara Alakus helped form the community choir

"The impact Scott had on music in Scotland and elsewhere was incredible, and we felt this was a great thing to do in his memory," Sara said.

"We wanted to improve people's wellbeing and let them have fun by singing together.

"The Tiny Changes charity was fully supportive and we now have a lovely mixed group who come along every Wednesday to sing at our old school."

Meanwhile home economics pupils treat the singers to hot drinks and food.

"I'm sure Scott would approve of what we're doing," Sara added.

Selkirk Community Choir was formed in memory of Frightened Rabbit singer Scott Hutchison

AmyBeth Beel, a professional soprano and vocal tutor who has shared the stage with Jose Carreras and Lesley Garrett, has been recruited to lead the choir.

She said it has been one of the most rewarding projects she has worked on.

"People have spent two or three years sitting in front of screens [during lockdown] and it's great that we can all come together and sing as a group," she added.

"This is all about improving people's mental health, and we are doing that through singing and connecting with the songs - there's been a marked difference in quite a few of our choir members already.

"Just last week we were all sitting around discussing Frightened Rabbit and their songs - for me, it is great that's Scott's legacy is making such a difference here in the town where he grew up."

Scott was a pupil at Selkirk High School during the 1990s along with fellow bandmates, his brother Grant and Billy Kennedy.

Maggie Mackenzie believes the choir is already changing lives

Photographs of Scott and the band are proudly displayed within the corridors.

Since the formation of Selkirk Community Choir within the school music hall, singers of all ages and abilities are attending the 90 minute sessions on Wednesday evenings.

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Maggie Mackenzie is one of the newest members of the choir. She said: "Everyone who walks out of here feels an awful lot better than from when they walked in.

"You get a feeling of community from the minute you arrive.

"AmyBeth brings out the best in us, and a lot of people who thought they couldn't sing are pleasantly surprised."

Laird Ross Williams travels from neighbouring Galashiels each week to sing with the community choir

While choir numbers have gradually increased since the first rehearsal evening in September, organisers say there is still plenty of room for more people to take part each Wednesday.

And in the coming months it is hoped Selkirk Community Choir will make their debut public performance.

Primary school pupil Laird Ross Williams travels from neighbouring Galashiels each week for rehearsals.

The eight-year-old said: "We sings a lot of fun songs and I go home feeling really happy."

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