SELKIRK'S Ross Mackie is setting the stage for a comedy and music night in aid of MND Scotland.

The fundraiser will take place at the MacArts on Saturday, April 18 to support the work of the charity.

MND is an illness Ross knows well.

The 55-year-old said: "A close friend of mine is currently living with MND, so I hope I can raise awareness and money for the charity MND Scotland, which supports people affected, and funds research to help find a cure.

“I have coerced, sorry, persuaded my friends; a variety of actors, comedians, and musicians, to perform at our Big Night Oot in Galashiels to support the charity.

“On the night we’ll have lots of laughs with comedians Martin Bearne and Viv Gee, and we’ll also have music from Charlie Don’t Surf, Café Monaco, and Health in Harmony choir, hosted by Ayrshire actor Chris Taylor.

“The event takes place at McArts Centre in Galashiels so I really hope people will join us for a brilliant night out, with lots of laughs, for this great cause.”

Tickets, priced at £10, are available from Ross on 07802 681 567.

Iain McWhirter from MND Scotland, said: “I’d like to thank Ross for organising this wonderful live comedy and music event for MND Scotland.

“It’s never easy to learn that a close friend, or family member, is facing this devastating illness.

“MND Scotland exists to take away some of stresses, strains, and money worries that can come with a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease and, as Scotland’s leading MND charity, we’re funding millions of pounds into cutting-edge research and clinical drug trials, to bring us a step closer to a cure.

“We couldn’t do any of this work without people like Ross supporting us and I’m proud that he’s a part of our movement to beat MND.

“I wish Ross and the crew all the best for their ‘Big Night Oot’ and I hope that it’s a roaring success.”