TELEVISION singing star Keith Jack will take part in a free, open-air concert to celebrate the official opening of the Scottish Parliament today.
Jack, 19, from Dalkeith the runner up in reality TV show Any Dream Will Do, will perform with Idlewild, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Salsa Celtica and Blazin Fiddles, on a stage outside the Holyrood building after the Queen has opened the third session
of parliament in the chamber.
The Queen will address MSPs and dignitaries in the parliament following the Riding down the Royal Mile by MSPs and their local representatives.
Keith will sing a number of his favourite songs from musicals and the television series at the free event.
The former supermarket assistant and musical theatre student is looking forward to performing to his home crowd.
He said: "I am delighted to have been asked to perform at such an historic occasion. It's been so busy since the show came to an end but I am really pleased I could make this event. There are a lot of talented Scots onstage and I am excited to be part of the line up. As my first performance since the final, I am proud it will be not only in Scotland but on a day celebrating Scotland."
A number of temporary stages have been set up outside the Holyrood building and organisers are expecting up to 5,000 for the concerts, which will start at 12.15pm and finish at 5pm. Idlewild have been chosen to close proceedings.
Idlewild's lead singer Roddy Woomble said: "We are proud to be recognised throughout the world as a Scottish band who have a keen sense of identity, as individuals and as a group of people playing music together."
Alex Fergusson, the Scottish Parliament's Presiding Officer, said: "Idlewild are the ideal way to end this day of celebration for Scotland and allows everyone, including the parliament, to let their hair down.
"Music has always played an important part of our culture and Idlewild are a perfect example of a great achievement by a modern local band."
The line-up at the Picnic at the Parliament will be:
12:15pm: Blazin Fiddles
12:45pm: TNT Bagpipe Boy Band
1:05pm: Catriona Watt
1:20pm: Red Hot Chilli Pipers
1:50pm: Waa-Sylla
2:15pm: Keith Jack
2:40pm: Salsa Celtica
3.10pm: Còisir Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis (Inverness Gaelic Choir)
3:30pm: Fèis Rois
3:50pm: Portobello Ceilidh Band
4:20pm: Idlewild
