WATCH: Highland musician Calum MacPhail of Gaelic band Horo's moving song Seven Years Old touches hearts and raises money for Mikeysline
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A moving song and video about living with a parent with an addiction has raised £1800 for Mikeysline.
Hò-rò accordianist and vocalist Calum MacPhail (24), from Culloden, released 7 Years Old this week and already it has been listened to by thousands of people.
Calum said while he has had the song in his head for many years, it has only been recently that he felt that he would be able to record it, and release it to the public.
He said: "I wrote 7 Years Old after reflecting on my life growing up in Fort William with my dad.
"My dad, John MacPhail, is a great man, known by many people, who unfortunately lost his way due to his addiction."
Mr MacPhail senior, a world renowned musician, suffered with alcohol addiction and now has dementia and lives in a care home in the city.
Calum continued: "I look up to him in so many ways. His talent and stories of touring the world as a folk musician is something I have always admired, and I have since followed in his footsteps.
"This song talks about the breakdown in a relationship due to addiction. While it is hard to say out loud, I know that I am not alone in my situation and I hope some people can relate to the song."
Calum said: "I have been blown away by the support for the song. As soon as I got the recording back I knew it was something that would touch so many people.
"And I wanted to use the power of the song, and video to support other people. Mikeysline is there for anyone who needs to talk.
"I know from my experience that living with an alcoholic can be very difficult, and there is no doubt that it has a toll on mental health. There is help for everyone at Mikeysline. I am pleased to be able to support them. As well as the fundraiser, all the download revenue from the song will go to them."
Tom Alner, from Nairn, was the videographer and co-director of the video, he said: "7 Years Old follows a young boy as he tries to connect with a distant father.
"Equally touching and heartbreaking, this ambitious music video deals with themes of addiction, loneliness and the bonds that ultimately tie us all together."
Starring in the video are two Nairn people, the young boy is played by 14-year-old Lachie Hogg, and the father is played by Gordon J Miller, who hails from the town, but currently works as a nurse in Edinburgh.
To see the video and for the details of the fundraiser, click here.
