MAN OF MANY TALENTS: Photographer turned amateur dancer James Mackenzie is also turning his hand to sketching to raise money for Strictly Inverness to benefit Highland Hospice
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James Mackenzie has worked for Highland News and Media since 2019 and is now taking part in Highland Hospice’s annual fundraising Strictly Inverness dance competition.
Along with the hospice the competition also raises funds for Inverness Ice Centre, to maintain the facilities on offer there.
As well as being a whizz with a camera Mr Mackenzie (27) also enjoys sketching and is offering to produce portraits for anyone donating at least £10 to his JustGiving page at justgiving.com/fundraising/James-F-MacKenzie
Frequently sharing his art on social media he said: “I thought drawing would be a good idea for my fundraiser as I’m hopeless at throwing a party! You know, stick to your strengths.
“I’ve been drawing since primary school, but only saw decent improvement in my drawings when I started a ‘Draw every day for a year’ challenge in 2019.”
Mr Mackenzie, who is new to dancing, is currently training three times a week in preparation for this year’s Strictly Inverness and says he is enjoying the intensive experience.
All competitors have to undertake their own fundraising and secure a corporate sponsor in order to take part.
Although an annual competition the Covid pandemic means 2022 will be the first time it has taken place for two years. Of the 32 competitors taking part this time round most are new but a few were originally meant to have competed in 2020.
Dancers will be judged on their efforts in front of a live audience by a panel including Flavia Cacace, a professional who formerly appeared on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The competition will take play on May 18-21 at the Inverness Ice Centre.
