Artist Suzanne Scott from Whimsical Lush with ARCHIE Ambassador Penny

A popular Scottish television and theatre actor is set to host this year’s Children’s Hospital Ball in Aberdeen.

Glasgow-born Alan McHugh, whose acting credits include Taggart and Outlander, will host the event at The Chester Hotel on 25 August to support The ARCHIE Foundation.

This will be the second annual ball held by the charity to raise money for their work at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital. The ARCHIE Foundation provides specialist medical equipment, advanced staff training, child-friendly hospital spaces and emergency grants

“I’m delighted and honoured to be able to help such a worthwhile charity as ARCHIE through the Storybook Ball” said Alan.

“Over the last fifteen years of doing the panto at HMT, the cast make an annual visit to the children’s hospital, so I’ve been lucky enough to witness first-hand the fantastic work they do with not just the children, but their families too.

“It’s humbling to see the difference they make to so many lives, and if I can help raise their profile, and continue their incredible work, it’s my privilege.”

David Wood, Chief Executive of The ARCHIE Foundation, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Alan who is giving up his time to travel to Aberdeen and support our Children’s Hospital Storybook Ball.

“This is an important event in our fundraising calendar and it plays a key role in helping us fund our vital work at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.”

This year’s Children’s Hospital Storybook Ball has an ‘enchanted forest’ theme and will showcase a range of unique art pieces created by artists including Mary Louise Butterworth, Sheila Fleet and Catherine Redgate.

The event will also feature a display of community artwork created at the charity’s Tempo Café in the Bon Accord Shopping Centre with the support of professional artists and members of the public.

A limited number of tables and sponsorship opportunities are still available for the event. Contact The ARCHIE Foundation’s Regional Fundraising Manager Jamie Smith on 01224 559559 or jamie@archiefoundation.org.uk for more details.