A single launched in support of Doddie Weir's charity is being re-released in the run-up to Christmas as a tribute to the late rugby star.
Doddie's Dream was first released in March 2021 in aid of the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, which funds research into motor neurone disease (MND). Recorded by musical act Blazin' Fiddles with the help of a host of stars including Nicola Benedetti and Scots music show Take The Floor host Gary Innes, it shot to number nine in the official singles chart last year.
But following Weir's death on November 26 at the age of 52, five years after he was first diagnosed with MND, the single has been relaunched. The second issue of Doddie's Dream comes with a new, more poignant recording serving as a second A-side to the upbeat Scots folk tune.
Those behind the new version of Doddie's Dream hope they can stake a claim to a slot in the Christmas Top 40 - and perhaps even make it to number one.
Fiddler Bruce MacGregor, who wrote the original tune, said: "When Doddie passed away my phone was flooded with messages from people asking about re-releasing the single as a tribute to the man and his incredible battle with MND. So, we’re going to give it one big heave and see what we can do to try to get it into the Top 40 for Christmas.”
He said of the mellower, previously unreleased A-side: "The other version is a bit more reflective and poignant, almost hymn like.”
Bruce has previously told of playing a spot of rugby alongside Scotland international Weir while he was a student, saying of the original song: "I have been so inspired by the big man’s approach to dealing with this disease, he’s incredible. The tune has a real positive lift to it and hopefully it fits in with that amazing collective spirit.
"All sales of the track are going to Doddie’s Charity so I hope everyone gets behind it and we can raise as much money as possible for this brilliant cause.”
Benedetti said: “It is a total honour to perform with such an incredible line up of folk musicians and for such an important cause. All the proceeds will go to Doddie’s Charity which helps fellow sufferers of Motor Neurone Disease and funds much needed research into this cruel illness.
"I hope everyone enjoys our wee tune and helps us to raise awareness of MND.”
The single can be bought on iTunes and played on all well-known streaming services including Spotify, with all proceeds going to support the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and its mission of finding a cure for motor neurone disease.
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